Intergenerational Communication : Talk with Paula Charles

In today’s digital, fast-moving and demanding world the younger generation needs also other voices, needs a mixture of wise experiences and life wisdom. My own early years living with elders helped me with who I am today. In my culture in the Caribbean in those days, older generations were needed, accepted and respected. Their advice was appreciated. It was simple, but also made you feel you were being heard and your views matter. One felt good being with them, their wisdom
sank deep into the soul. I still remember to this very day in difficult adult moments some of that advice. They were in almost every part of my life.

In today’s world there is a lot of talk with very little content that could move you a little closer to yourself and the meaning of life as you grow in a world that demands your time with high expectations. You hear from young people saying life is too hectic, too draining, too strenuous, weariness, depression and burnout is frequent. In Europe, older generations don’t seem to have much say in the younger generation lives especially those who aren’t family. Individuality is high on the agenda here. Coming together as a communityto share thoughts and hear elders speak from experience isn’t a common theme here.

With busy online lives, little time is spent visiting family and friends, sharing experiences directly. This world we are living in has little tolerance for peoples stories and doubts and misgivings. As an Elder, Activist and Author its my aim and wish to meet and share, to encourage and support young people. I have always been interested in young people lives, what they do, what they think of the older generation, what ideas they would like to exchange. We can listen to each other withoutfear and prejudice. When I have had that opportunity it has worked well and the feedback has always been very positive and appreciative.