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Some of my favorite memories of my childhood are those which include my grandmother. Many of the greatest lessons I learned as a child were due to time spent with her. My children will tell you the same things about the time they got to spend with her before she passed away.

In todays society, with the economy in the poor state it is in, many parents find they must both work in order to make ends meet. Even those who would much prefer to be stay-at-home parents are finding an increasing need for child care.

As an entirely different generation continues to age and trends change, their is also a growing need for elder care. A place, on the same basic principal as child care, with activities designed for the older age group.

One thing that could greatly benefit both generations as well as many others is to combine these two services. By providing facilities to accommodate both child and elder care in the same place, a whole new world could be opened to both groups. One with great potential, where each generation can add to the lives of the other in a very positive way.

For the younger generation it can provide an endless amount of storytelling of a time gone by. The sharing of experiences by someone who has already been through what they may be facing or what they may one day face. It provides the possibility of learning games and activities from a time before video games and the computer. A way to pass time outside of the world of electronics.

For the older generation it can give a reminder of what it is like to be young again. A chance to pass on life experiences and past memories. For some it may provide the change to feel needed, to feel apart of something in life they may not otherwise feel.

Both groups have the opportunity to see life through the others eyes. A way to remember the past and dream of the future. The past and the future merged into one place to learn from each other and grow.

Some people may not see this combination as a good one. They don't see how these two generations could possibly have anything in common. They don't understand how they could help each other at all.

What they don't see are how much they truly have in common. They don't take the time to remember what was like to be a child and feel like no one understands you, that no one thinks you have anything to contribute. Many elderly feel the same way as I came to find out when I worked at a local nursing home. it is also during that time that I realized how much they enjoyed spending time with children since mine were frequent visitors.

Combining child care and elder care has many benefits. It can add meaning to lives who have either not yet realized their true potential or have forgotten. it can give inspiration to the young and a new lease on life to the old. it is a way for both generations to share who they are and possibly make a difference in the life of someone else.

Learn more about this author, JRR.
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