A Sentence Away
Shin Min Daily News, 一句话的距离
(Summarised translation)
How long has it been since you’ve had a proper conversation with someone from a different generation?
Not just a brief exchange of pleasantries, but a genuine, heartfelt conversation—where we sit down, truly listen to each other, and learn from one another.
My friend Alice, who’s around 40, recently said something that left a deep impression on me.
She said, “Honestly, I rarely sit down and have a proper chat with my mother. It’s not that I don’t love her—I just don’t have the time, and I don’t know what to talk about. On most days, she helps me take care of the kids while I’m busy with work. I’m usually focused on getting things done and rarely stop to think about what she’s feeling or going through.”
Her words made me reflect: Do we truly care about what the older people around us are thinking and feeling?
Today, more and more community initiatives—such as digital learning buddy programmes, community gardening, and joint volunteer services—have shown that when different generations work together, stereotypes gradually fade and genuine friendships naturally form.
But these intergenerational connections don’t happen on their own—we need to actively create more opportunities for meaningful interaction.
Too often, we overlook the small chances we have. Conversations with our parents or older family members tend to revolve around tasks like “Please help me take care of the kids,” “Can you cook this meal?” or “Help me with the household chores.” We rarely stop to ask how they are truly feeling, what life experiences they carry, or even to hear the little stories from their day.
In fact, we can start with something very simple. Spend a little time chatting with a younger colleague, a neighbour, or your own parents. Share your stories, and listen to theirs. Exchange skills, or seek their life advice.
Community leaders can also design long-term, sustained programmes that bring older and younger people together in meaningful ways—not just for festive occasions, but for ongoing collaboration.
When we take the time to build these intergenerational bridges, we not only enrich our own lives, but also help shape a warmer, more inclusive society for all generations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start today.
