It’s well-understood that old age can bring with it social isolation. We also know that social isolation in seniors can fast-track the aging process.
So, are we doing enough to ensure our loved ones remain connected as they age?
Studies have shown that adults who are well connected tend to have better health outcomes. Social isolation has been shown to increase your risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline.
However, maintaining social connections as we age can be challenging. That’s why aged care facilities are increasingly recognising the benefits of intergenerational programs, which connect the old and the young.
So, what do intergenerational programs involve and what are the benefits?
Connecting the young and the old
St Vincent’s Aged Care in Toowoomba, Queensland provides a shining example of the benefits of intergenerational programs. The aged care facility partnered with Toowoomba Anglican School to create an award-winning intergenerational program. The program was recognised with a highly commended award in the community engagement category at the 2024 Future Of Ageing Awards.
The program, which commenced in term 2 of 2023, originally involved just primary school students who would visit the aged care facility regularly. Early activities included the planting of “friendship succulents” where students and residents planted and nurtured succulents. These were exchanged at the end of the school term to symbolise the growing bond between the students and residents.The program was later expanded to include both primary and secondary school students. The aged care residents began visiting the school for reading and other learning activities.
In early 2024, the residents and students took part in a cooking challenge. Paired together, students and residents prepared dishes based on ingredients they had planted and grown in the previous term. On another occasion, school students were offered the opportunity to run the aged care facility’s coffee shop for the day.
All in all, over 70 St Vincent’s residents connected with students from the school as part of the program.
What are the benefits of intergenerational programs?
Intergenerational programs can provide many benefits for aged care residents. These include:
• Helping maintain their sense of identity: Interacting with younger people can help aged care residents to maintain their sense of identity. For example, interacting with school students may remind the residents of experiences and careers from earlier in their lives
• Increasing their wellbeing: Interactions with young people can help aged care residents to find a sense of purpose helping improve their overall happiness.
• Assisting them to remain connected to the community: Intergenerational programs play a vital role in allowing aged care residents to remain connected to the community, helping them to reduce feelings of social isolation. In the intergenerational program between St Vincent’s Aged Care and Toowoomba Anglican school, some residents and students developed meaningful relationships that they maintained outside of school hours.
Intergenerational programs benefit not only aged care residents but also the younger generation. They encourage community service and mentorship among the youth, fostering a connection with the older generation that they may not experience in their everyday lives. The programs allow young people to gain a new perspective on ageing, and allow them to develop their skills.
It’s clear that intergenerational programs have benefits for all, young and old.
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Article References
Clarke, A ( 10 November 2024) ‘St Vincent’s Aged Care Toowoomba: Bridging generations through innovative programs’, Inside Ageing, accessed 30 December 2024.
Ling-Lim, M et. al (2024) ‘A 10-week intergenerational program bringing together community-living older adults and preschool children (INTERACTION): a pilot feasibility non-randomised clinical trial’, Pilot and Feasibility Studies, accessed 30 December 2024.