Retirement village “grandfriends” are never too old to play
The power of intergenerational relationships has been demonstrated to provide a mental and physical benefit to older people and the children.
In an age where families are increasingly isolated and intergenerational homes are becoming less common, intergenerational play offers a refreshing and impactful way to bridge the gap between young and old, especially in retirement villages.
The sound of children’s laughter rings through Aveo’s Cleveland Gardens Retirement Living at Ormiston, in the City of Redland, 28.3km east-southeast of Brisbane, every Friday.
The partnership between Aveo and Play Matters Australia last month marked three years and is one of the longest running intergenerational playgroup programs bringing the young and young at heart together.
Play Matters’ Ageless Play program connects generations by providing mutual benefits for seniors, children and their parents or caregivers while building relationships, skills and confidence through play.
Resident Eileen Heidemann, has lived at Cleveland Gardens Retirement Village for the past 12 months. She says she never misses the weekly visits by the children and their parents or caregivers.
“It’s a special time watching the things the little ones start to do as they progress and grow. We have a little bub learning to crawl at the moment,’’ Eileen says. “I have 14 great-grandchildren, eight grandchildren and four children of my own, but I love chatting with and having cuddles with the little ones. It’s very special.’’
Mum Claire Twomey says both she and son Elwood, aged almost four, love the time they spend with the residents.
“Elwood looks forward to Fridays as he knows we visit our ‘grandfriends’ after his swimming lesson,’’ she says. “My husband and I are from Ireland and with Elwood’s grandparents overseas it’s wonderful for him to connect with an older generation.
“He has learned to play differently with them and is more patient and gentler than he would be with his friends or with us. Elwood loves tossing a ball to Beryl and having stories read to him by Lynda.”
Carly Kotynski is the Events and Activities Coordinator at Cleveland Gardens Retirement Village. She says the residents benefit socially and emotionally by having quality interactions with the children and parents.
“It’s wonderful to watch the different generations interacting – sometimes there are three or four in the one room. Close bonds do form and there’s always lots of smiles,’’ she says.
“Some of the residents may not see their own families as often as they would like but at playgroup, they have the opportunity to experience the joy that babies and young children bring.’’
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