AN age gap spanning more than eight decades has not stopped some of Mount Gambier’s youngest and oldest residents from having fun together as part of a unique intergenerational play program.
Boandik Lodge residents have spent the past four years connecting with young children in a bid to reduce social isolation, maintain cognitive skills and increase mental and physical health.
As part of the initiative, Community Kids Montebello Early Education Centre educators are bringing young children to meet and connect with senior citizens at the St Mary’s Boandik site once a fortnight.
Onlookers from both organisations have experienced first-hand the benefits of the program with elderly residents showing signs of increased endorphins and children learning important life lessons.
Boandik residential lifestyle coordinator Cindy Crozier praised the program, saying it provided mutually beneficial outcomes for both residents and children.
“This program is fantastic for the residents as they look at the children with care,” Ms Crozier said.
“It is significantly important for them especially if they have grandchildren or great-grandchildren of their own they do not see very often.”
Ms Crozier said each session was “filled with cuddles and communication”, as well as engaging and structured play-based learning activities.
“It brings back memories of when some residents had children of their own and allows the children to also learn and show respect, with some children not having grandparents,” she said.
“We see a lot more contentment in the elderly residents and they are obviously very happy with the children are here and sad when they leave.”
The lifestyle coordinator said residents re-experience their love of children when the childcare centre students visit and provided positive opportunities for residents to build relationships and a sense of purpose.
“It also bridges a gap between two completely different generations and we do need to keep bringing that closer,” Ms Crozier said.
The intergenerational play participants have been growing a sustainability garden and participating in other activities such as cake decorating and puzzles.
“The residents absolutely love the garden and even when the children are not here some wander out and water it, weed it and just maintain it for them,” Ms Crozier said.
“When you see elderly residents together with children, you can see there are those who enjoy having conversations and within that period of time they are engaged and interested in what is happening.
“They are also happy, which provides them with much needed endorphins for them.”
Community Kids Montebello Early Education Centre assistant manager Carolyn Frost said the program was designed for the two generations to develop a strong bond, have fun and share experiences.
“The children enjoy telling the residents what they like doing at the centre and the residents enjoy sharing childhood memories with the children,” she said.
“It also allows the children to build relationships with the wider community and have language, communication and social interaction.”
Ms Frost said the program provided an important opportunity for children to build connections to a broader section of the community.
“They have developed respect for the elderly in the community and they also understand and get along with the residents very well,” she said.
“The first initial visits was building those connections and trust, as well as getting to know each other.
“Now the children are much more relaxed.”
The children share afternoon tea with the residents, who are also special guests to the childcare centre on Grandparents Day.
“The program overall validates that connection to each other and reinstates that we are one community,” Ms Frost said.
All Boandik sites collaborate with childcare centres from around Mount Gambier.
