Even if you think that you may not enjoy such activities, give it a try. Many older persons have found that once they try interacting with children, they find it so fulfilling that they enjoyed continuing this activity. Though the motivation for initiating these relationships should not be selfish, we should recognize that older people do, at times, need some assistance from younger, more able-bodied people. If you do not have relatives nearby, it is important that you establish friendships that you can rely on to help in case of need. Good relationships with relatives also makes asking them for help easier.
Older adults can assist in the process of socializing children to function productively.
Positive intergenerational relationships serve each party well. C.I. Cohen, J.T., and D. Holmes. A Longitudinal Study of an Inner-City Elderly Population, J of Gerontology, Vol. Perceived Changes in Grandmother-Grandchild Relations Following a Child's Separation or Divorce, The Gerontologist, Vol. C.C. Ramirez Barranti.