According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, there are nearly 29 million children under the age of 13 who are likely to need child care while their parents work. There are many wonderful things that can happen when you put the young and the old together. Many people have the vision of the elderly being there to rock or comfort the young, a truly invaluable role. But the many other tremendous life experiences and knowledge that seniors possess can benefit children greatly - by promoting infant stimulation, mentoring young mothers, being a reading buddy, and encouraging and supporting the development of young children in other critical ways. Older men can work with young fathers.
Older adults can help involve parents and other members of the community.
Seniors can also help families to navigate the child care system to find the best quality of care for their children. Regardless of functioning level, older adults can benefit from meaningful and appropriate activities with young children. Isolation and loss of purpose may result when seniors do not have opportunities to contribute. The presence of older people in children's settings also teaches about aging. Seniors as Members of the Child Care Workforce Research has shown that the single most important determinant of quality child care is the caregiver.