New research from McCarthy & Stone, has revealed that the COVID-19 crisis has seen a significant narrowing of the generation gap
The research, conducted through the collection of data and fieldwork assessing younger generations (18-59-year olds) and older generations (60+ year olds) across the UK, sought to understand the perception of generations between each other and how this may have shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results showed that 60 per cent of both generations have spent more time speaking to each other since the start of the pandemic, with each finding comfort and leaning on the other for support.
This has led to increased knowledge-sharing, with younger people (58 per cent) seeking wisdom from older relatives, neighbours and friends, while older people (63 per cent) have called on younger generations’ skills, including their technological ability.
Most conversations have been taking place over the phone (said 74 per cent of respondents) bucking the trend of over-reliance on text messages and emails.
People are clearly enjoying these closer ties and no one wants this connection to end.
Some 77 per cent of people surveyed said they wanted to spend more time with other generations once the country emerges fully from lockdown.
McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, is supporting this intergenerational connection by launching a Senior Experts Panel that will help maintain communications between all generations through new platforms and initiatives.
On top of technology trials that have helped connect McCarthy & Stone homeowners to their friends and family during this crisis.
- Intergenerational communication has increased dramatically in recent months. 60 per cent of both generations state they have spent more time speaking with each other since the start of the pandemic
- 76 per cent of younger and 80 per cent of older people want to spend more time communicating with each other post-COVID-19
- Generations have sought comfort from one another – 52 per cent of older and 46 per cent younger gaining comfort from increased contact with each other
- Generations have expressed increased respect for each other.
- For younger generations, World War Two is seen as the greatest factor of resilience building in the older generation (55 per cent), and they respected the older generation for their ‘keep calm and carry on’ mentality (45 per cent).
- The older generation saw the younger generations’ optimism (51 per cent) and courage when facing extreme lockdown measures (42 per cent) as reasons for an increase in respect.
Some 59 per cent of younger people believe that the experience of COVID-19 think that society will value the older generation more.
Once lockdown ends, McCarthy & Stone will continue its commitment to supporting and tailoring its services to society, and specifically the shift in attitude and appetite for generational connection.
CEO John Tonkiss said, “We have seen a lower impact of COVID-19 in our developments, than the general over 65 population, and this proves more than ever that our communities are safe, resilient and supportive places to live.
“The UK must now collectively learn the lessons from this crisis and redefine how best to support our ageing population. We need a joined-up and long-term plan, starting with more and better housing for older people and stronger intergenerational communication.
“It’s fantastic to see that the generational gap is declining and, once again, young and old are respecting and actively seeking to learn from one another. We’ll ensure that McCarthy & Stone will be at the forefront, nurturing this societal change.”
McCarthy & Stone Homeowner, Mrs Madeline McManus said, “This has been a truly horrible period for so many people. One of the silver linings for me, has been how much more time I’ve spent speaking to my children and grandchildren – I’ve even done a few quizzes with them!
McCarthy & Stone has been such a support to me throughout this period whilst I’ve been voluntarily shielding. My family showed me how to video call and being able to feel close to them even though I can’t be with them has been a blessing. I think we will continue to talk more regularly in the future, it’s shown us how easy it is.”
McCarthy & Stone will launch its Senior Experts Panel next month, to support the strengthening of connections between today’s younger and older generations.
