By Rachelle Scott (Lead Early Childhood Educator) and Amelia Trippas (Project Officer)
Many of us would have seen the ABC TV show ‘Old Peoples Home for 4 Year Olds’ – a social experiment to highlight the importance of taking active measures to prevent frailty and reduce the risk of dementia.
A staggering number of older adults in Australia experience social isolation, leading to a decline in health, and intergenerational programs have the potential to reduce loneliness and build stronger community bonds.
Intergenerational programs can bridge the gap between generations, fostering mutual understanding and respect. For children, interacting with older adults can enhance social skills, empathy, and language development.
It’s believed that bringing older adults ages 65+ and preschoolers together in an enjoyable, structured playgroup has the potential to target risk factors, all in one fun two hour a week program, and shows promise in reducing the risk of frailty and dementia.
While intergenerational practice is not a new phenomenon, there is yet to be any large-scale clinical trials that collects quantitative data and measures the specific health outcomes.
Looking to join an intergenerational program? Visit www.georgeinstitute.org.au or call 8052 4365 to see if you are eligible.
