Australian Retirement Residents Head Back to the Classroom as Part Of New Intergenerational Program

Residents at a leading Australian retirement community are going back to school this year as they take part in an intergenerational pilot program which aims to reduce stereotypes across different generations and boost community connections.

The ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ program invites students from St Catherine’s Primary School in Wishart to connect with residents from TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement Community via in person and Zoom sessions – as a way of enhancing wellbeing through fostering social connections.

If the pilot program is successful, TriCare plans to expand the program for other facilities across Australia.

Researchers have found having strong and secure relationships not only increases people's happiness, but also our longevity by roughly 50%.

TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement Community Village Manager Louise Mathers said the program will take place over seven sessions, with the final session an in person ‘meet up’ 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,” Ms 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.”

Resident Doug Peterson, aged 99, will celebrate his 100th birthday on the day of the final session.

 
TriCare Mt Gravatt Retirement resident Doug Peterson will turn 100 years during the final session

“Turning 100 is a very big milestone and one I’m grateful to experience,” Mr Peterson said.

“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.

“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 said they are very excited to be involved in this incredible project.

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

Program manager Sarah Brady from The Community Crusade believes nurturing connections between generations can promote self-sustaining benefits for the whole community.

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

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