Long-time activist for the contribution of elderly persons to society and the need to strengthen intergenerational ties, Charles Lansdorp, speaks of the International Congress on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly and of his commitment to continue to bring generations together.
By Linda Bordoni
“Your elders shall dream dreams!” is the guiding theme of the International Congress on the pastoral care of the elderly, hosted by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life in Rome from October 2–4.
On Friday, Pope Leo XIV met with participants, recalling Pope Francis’ call for an alliance between the elderly and young people, so that those who have lived many years and experiences may assist those just beginning “the great adventure of life.”
Among the participants was Charles Lansdorp, founder of the Grandparents Day Foundation in the Netherlands, who came to Rome at the invitation of the Dutch Bishops’ Conference. Speaking with Vatican News, Lansdorp reflected on the importance of intergenerational solidarity.
“I was one of the initiators of a special day for grandparents, which became a national day in Italy, celebrated on 2 October,” he explained. “What we try to do is bring generations together, which gives positivity and helps combat the loneliness that many elderly people experience.”
Lansdorp highlighted the mutual benefit of intergenerational relationships. “It’s important that when you are older, you maintain relationships with younger generations. They remember you, they come to visit you, and that makes a real difference.”
He noted that this concern has long been close to Pope Francis’ heart, who has highlighted both the risks of loneliness among the elderly and the immense value of their wisdom and life experiences. Pope Leo XIV, in his recent message for Grandparents Day, has echoed this call, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to supporting older generations as active participants in society.
Loneliness is universal
The congress, Lansdorp said, offered a global perspective. “Every country has different issues, but loneliness is universal. In some places, like the Philippines and parts of Africa, care for the elderly is built into the culture through extended families. Europe can learn from these models.”
Highlighting initiatives in the Netherlands, Lansdorp spoke of creative programs to bring generations together, including the “Roses and Stories” project: “Children give a flower to an elderly person, and in return, they receive a story. It’s an exchange that opens hearts and shares knowledge across generations.”
He stressed the importance of family support and societal recognition of the elderly. “In Europe, older people are often seen as a burden. But if given opportunities to contribute, they want to engage. We need solidarity between generations,” he continued, because young people today face economic challenges that affect their ability to raise families and maintain relationships with grandparents.
Reflecting on his return to the Netherlands, Lansdorp said he would bring back the insights gained in Rome to share with the Bishops’ Conference and implement new initiatives: “I work internationally, and it’s an honour to represent the Netherlands here. What we learn here can help improve pastoral care and strengthen ties between young and old around the world.”
Charles Lansdorp at Vatican Radio/Vatican News
