“An Exciting Generational Encounter: Reflections on an Afternoon at the Roc i Pi Residence”.

I would like to share with you an experience I had during the “Equality in Network” Training Course that took place in Barcelona and Badalona by the host association “La Rottlana”. The experience I want to tell you about is the one spent at the Roc i Pi residence for the elderly within the intergenerational project. Before gaining direct experience of the intergenerational project taking place at the residence, we got to know the foundation and the projects in which it takes part. The ‘Roc i Pi’ foundation was inspired by the generosity of Vicenç Roca i Pi, a philanthropist who dedicated his wealth to the vulnerable people of Badalona. Created with the objective of assisting and accompanying those in situations of social vulnerability, the Foundation has seen its commitment grow over the years, culminating in the creation of an assisted living home for the elderly and the implementation of programmes in collaboration with organisations dedicated to the homeless and job placement. I, together with three other participants of the Training Course, had the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the Roc i Pi Residence and to participate in the planned activity of creating Christmas postcards. The activity in particular, besides promoting the participation and creativity of the elderly, represented a means of encounter between the elderly and the young people in the intergenerational project. The first impact was immediately positive. When Giuseppe from La Rottlana informed old people that they would be spending that afternoon with young people from different countries, reading in the eyes of many of them all the joy and enthusiasm created a welcoming atmosphere. During the activity, I had the privilege of sharing a table with kind and smiling people. In particular, my attention focused on an elderly lady sitting next to me who, unlike the others, did not want to participate in the activity and seemed annoyed by the noise in the room. However, when i asked her “What did you do when you were young?” she showed a great desire to tell me her story. Through her words and her glances, she told me about her past as a painter, about her 40 paintings that were sold without her receiving anything in return, and about her only wish to hold one of her paintings for herself. It was an intense conversation, although I only understood a few words and responded through expressions of astonishment. Knowing that story at that moment was the most important thing for me. Thanks to that conversation, I realised the value of the intergenerational project for the elderly and for young people like me. The project in fact aims, through activities like this, to create an opportunity for connection between generations and thus a mutual exchange. The young people in the project, whom i met that afternoon, are youngsters who want to study to become nurses or who decide to dedicate their free time to the community, aware of the great opportunities for personal, social and professional growth that their commitment entails. Similarly, thanks to young people, the elderly have the opportunity to tell their stories and give value to their life experiences, generating a huge positive impact on the cognitive and affective sphere. As I write this article today I think back to that lady, and I think about the power of the stories to create strong connections between people who do not know each other, overcoming linguistic and generational barriers.