Aged care residents and students join forces to create meaningful connections in innovative program

Aged care residents are gearing up to return to the classroom through an innovative intergenerational pilot program designed to break down generational stereotypes and strengthen community ties.

The Adopt a Grandparent initiative pairs students from St Catherine’s Primary School in Wishart with residents from TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement Community. Through both in-person and Zoom sessions, the program aims to boost well-being by fostering meaningful social connections.

Remaining socially connected later in life has long been celebrated not only for fostering a sense of belonging in our golden years but also for its physical and mental benefits. Research also shows that cultivating strong, secure relationships can help extend one’s lifespan.

Sarah Brady, Program Manager at The Community Crusade, believes that by fostering social connections through the initiative those involved can reap these valuable benefits.

“Connectedness can combat loneliness, generate purpose, and improve mental health outcomes,” Brady said.

“We’ve already noticed many benefits with the residents at TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement based solely on their excitement and eagerness to meet the students.

“We prepared introduction videos of the residents in the lead up to the event and could see just how much it meant to them to share their life experiences with others – connection is such a powerful tool.”

TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement Community Village Manager Louise Mathers offered further details regarding the program, explaining that it will take place over seven sessions, with the final session an in-person ‘meet up’ between residents and students at the school.

“Both the staff and residents here at TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement are very excited to be the first facility to launch the pilot program and connect with our local community,” Mathers said.

“The sessions will utilise video conference technology between the residents and students as this can be accommodated within the busy school schedule and reduces the transmission of winter germs, an important factor when dealing with the elderly.

“During the six sessions, residents and students will explore a range of topics from generational differences, hobbies, family life, past experiences, and future endeavours.

“The program will then conclude with an exciting day trip to St Catherine’s on 6 September where residents will meet their buddies face-to-face for a presentation on their learnings and celebrate treasured friendships made.”

Among those participating is resident Doug Peterson, aged 99, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on the day of the final session.

While reflecting on reaching the “big milestone” of 100, Peterson shared that he is “grateful” to be part of the program and shared his favorite aspects of his involvement.

“It’s not every day you get to take part in such a wonderful program. I and the other residents are very lucky to be involved and share our life stories and words of wisdom with the students,” he said.

“I’ve already enjoyed meeting my student buddy and getting to hear about their life. Our generations have many differences but it’s nice to know some things never change, such as our desire to help people in need and ‘always look on the bright side of life’.”

St Catherine’s Principal Paul Mitchell expressed excitement about the project, noting it provides “a great way to foster empathy between our students and older adults”.

“We know that the discussions and activities in these interactions will be purposeful and mentally stimulating for both age groups,” Mitchell said.

“We hope to see positive improvements in the behaviour, oral communication, social- emotional and interpersonal skills of the students, and as a result, improvements in learning outcomes.

“Ultimately, we see this project as a great way to foster empathy between our students and older adults.”