Key Takeaways
- Intergenerational playgroups are becoming increasingly popular in retirement villages and aged care homes, aiming to improve the quality of life for elderly residents and young children.
- These playgroups have been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing depression and loneliness in older people, and increasing confidence and empathy in children.
- The concept of intergenerational playgroups was popularized by the ABC television show "Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds," which aired in 2019 and demonstrated the positive impact of these programs.
- Despite initial enthusiasm, the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory barriers slowed the growth of intergenerational play programs, but they are now regaining momentum.
- Experts believe that there is still significant untapped potential for intergenerational play to transform the quality of life for people in aged care.
Introduction to Intergenerational Playgroups
Intergenerational playgroups are a innovative approach to addressing the social isolation and loneliness that many elderly individuals experience in aged care homes. These playgroups bring together young children and older adults, providing an opportunity for them to interact, play, and form meaningful relationships. The concept of intergenerational playgroups was popularized by the ABC television show "Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds," which aired in 2019 and demonstrated the positive impact of these programs on both the children and the elderly residents.
The Benefits of Intergenerational Play
The benefits of intergenerational playgroups are numerous and well-documented. For older adults, these programs have been shown to reduce depression and loneliness, improve cognitive function, and increase overall quality of life. The playgroups also provide an opportunity for older adults to reconnect with their past and rediscover their sense of purpose. For children, intergenerational playgroups help to develop social skills, empathy, and confidence, while also providing a unique opportunity to learn from and interact with older adults. As geriatrician Susan Kurrle notes, "there are very few people who aren’t moved by having a child run up to them and pull on their shirt and say, ‘come with me’."
A Real-World Example of Intergenerational Play
The Compton Gardens Retirement Community in Brisbane’s north is one example of an intergenerational playgroup in action. The community’s lifestyle coordinator, Leonie Coade, started a playgroup three years ago, which has become a highlight for the facility’s elderly residents. The playgroup brings together children and their parents with the elderly residents, providing an opportunity for them to play, sing, and interact. For residents like Sheila Johnston, the playgroup has been a rare exception to her usual rule of not joining in with activities. As she notes, "the children, they just accept you… you don’t have to try with them, you can just be."
The Impact of Intergenerational Play on Residents
The impact of intergenerational play on elderly residents is profound. For many, the playgroups provide a sense of purpose and connection that they may be missing in their daily lives. As Martha Zettler, an 86-year-old resident, notes, "I see the kids growing up – it’s unbelievable… they came when they were two years old and now they’re going to school and we have to say ‘bye-bye’ to them." The playgroups also provide an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and wisdom with the children, helping to preserve their sense of identity and self-worth.
The Future of Intergenerational Play
Despite the many benefits of intergenerational play, there are still significant barriers to widespread adoption. The COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory barriers slowed the growth of intergenerational play programs, but they are now regaining momentum. As Susan Kurrle notes, "there is still untapped potential to transform the quality of life for people in aged care." With the establishment of a national peak body, the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice, and the growth of intergenerational play programs in aged care homes, it is likely that these programs will continue to expand and improve the lives of elderly residents and young children alike.