You don’t usually expect to hear laughter and the patter of little feet in a senior living community—but Cypress Palms, located on The Palms of Largo campus in Largo, FL, and managed by The Goodman Group, is anything but ordinary. Home to residents in assisted living, memory care, respite care, and specialized Parkinson’s care, this community stands out for one unique reason: The Learning Center, an on-site daycare and preschool for children ages five and under.

Here, intergenerational living isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life.

The Vision: Ages Entwined®

Intergenerational programs in senior living communities foster connections across age groups. And with youngsters and seniors together on a daily basis, it’s easy to organize fun activities that engage everyone.

That was exactly what John Goodman, former chairman and CEO of The Goodman Group, had in mind–to have a daycare attached to a senior living community. He called his vision Ages Entwined®. The Goodman Group now has a similar intergenerational program at The Commons on Marice in Eagan, MN.

Mingling for Fun and Learning

Jessica B., a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and life enrichment director at Cypress Palms, clearly remembers the day the daycare first opened its doors. Since then, she’s been at the heart of creating meaningful programs for residents of all care levels—including the intergenerational activities that now define daily life at the community.

“We bring the whole community together, take every opportunity to get the kids involved,” Jessica explains.

The kids come over every week for group activities with assisted living residents. While they arrive together, each child works one-on-one with a senior. Memory care residents also participate, both in these weekly sessions and in specific bi-weekly activities designed for their interaction with the children, where youngsters often read to them.

Specific activities depend on the age group and ability level of the children. Jessica thinks in terms of what will be fun, but also how residents can teach and help the kids as they are working together on an activity.

You never know what might be on the day’s agenda–drum circles, baking, art projects. “Balloon volleyball is pure chaos,” laughs Jessica, “but everyone has fun.” 

The Learning Center kids also join residents for special community-wide celebrations. For Patriots Day, which honors service members as part of The Goodman Group’s Valiant Veterans® program, children and adults joined together for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing songs.

Aside from scheduled activities, seniors see the kids every day as they move through the interconnected neighborhoods of Cypress Palms. The children pass through these areas on their way to other parts of the community and often stop by the lobby, where they love to visit the fish tank, Jessica shares.

These intergenerational connections have attracted attention beyond community walls–the Cypress Palms program made the local news, showcasing their positive impact on both children and seniors. 

Becoming “Grandfriends”

The all-ages activities have been a tremendous success, with residents and children now calling each other “grandfriends”. Among the seniors, the programming promotes social engagement and emotional well-being. Jessica says, “You can see emotional impact, joy, sense of purpose being renewed.”

These connections benefit everyone involved in different but equally important ways.

Memory care residents are especially appreciative. “They love seeing them,” Jessica says. “There is something so special about their interactions. It brings back memories. For many of them, in their minds, they are still in that phase of their lives.”

And the kids get loving adult interaction. They gain respect for seniors. The program promotes inclusivity and helps overcome ageism, especially if their own grandparents aren’t around. “They learn that older people aren’t scary!” Jessica laughs. “They learn from one another and have fun together.”

Often, the kids develop special relationships with participating residents. For example, one two-year-old girl regularly enjoyed walks around the building with a particular resident, forming what Jessica describes as "a sweet relationship." Although the little girl no longer sees this resident since changing classes, she maintains the connection by sending notes to stay in touch.

Another child developed a special relationship with a resident when they learned they shared the same first name–Everett–even though they are 90 years apart in age.

Jessica’s own toddlers attend The Learning Center. Having small children gives her firsthand insight into what kids enjoy, and she sees how much they benefit from interacting with the residents. Her five-year-old still refers to the seniors she met as her “grandfriends”.

Intergenerational Living Keeps You Young

Intergenerational programming is a signature part of the lifestyle at senior living communities managed by The Goodman Group. Cypress Palms embraces that programming by bringing together the youngest and oldest generations, literally right next door during the day. That makes the community an extra-special place for all ages and underscores the unique value of “grandfriend” relationships.