by Rachelle Scott (Lead Early Childhood Educator) & 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. Research shows that attacking several risk factors at once, like physical activity, cognitive functioning, balance and flexibility, and social engagement, can be effective but it has been challenging to design programs that keep people engaged to achieve the potential overall health outcomes.
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.
As Australia’s population ages, supporting healthy aging becomes increasingly important, and these programs could promote active, engaged lifestyles, reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
Intergenerational programs can bridge the gap between generations, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Solid research evidence is crucial for securing funding and support from policymakers, leading to more widespread adoption and sustained investment in these initiatives. For children, interacting with older adults can enhance social skills, empathy, and language development. Research will help us understand these benefits more clearly and how best to integrate intergenerational activities into educational settings.
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. Who wouldn’t want to participate in joyful games, crafting and morning tea with a bunch of preschoolers for potential health benefits?!
Intergenerational sessions provide adults and preschoolers time together each week engaging in activities including games, arts & craft, physical activity, cooking, dancing, music, singing, yoga, and a whole lot more. Playful interactions such as the activities carefully designed have the potential to not only benefit children but also those of any age supporting better health, wellbeing and social engagement, increased self-worth and promoting powerful community connections.
With families often spread out and many older adults living alone, intergenerational programs offers a fantastic way for them to stay active and socially connected to their community while contributing to the development of young children.
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.
The team at The George Institute for Global Health, led by Dr Ruth Peters who is one of Australia’s leading researchers in understanding and treating dementia and frailty, hope to be the first clinical trial to find proof in the benefits to intergenerational practice.
Looking to join an intergenerational program? Visit www.georgeinstitute.org.au or call 8052 4365 to see if you are eligible.
Further links INTErGenerational intervention to Reduce fraIlTY trial (INTEGRITY) | The George Institute for Global Health
Information for Older Adults Jan24version of Adult Integrity Flyer
