Activities to bring together children and older people

Inspired by a recent televised social experiment, which saw elderly people in a retirement community joined by a group of 4-year-olds, the City of Whittlesea is looking for opportunities to connect younger and older communities locally.

As part of an intergeneration project Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova said Council was keen to talk with groups or organisations that currently had or were interested in including intergenerational activities as part of their program.

“Be it an annual event or a weekly program they all add value to the wellbeing of children and older people,” Cr Sterjova said.

“There are terrific examples of intergenerational activities already happening in the City of Whittlesea such as Bundoora Retirement Home doing story telling with a nearby school and the Barry Road Social Support Group working with a kindergarten and local schools to prepare their annual concert.”

“Intergenerational activities have many positive benefits for both children and older people including improved social development and learning for children and better physical and mental health for older adults.”

“We can all learn something from each other, no matter what the age.”  

To learn more about the intergenerational project contact Council’s Ageing Well Planner Catherine Simcox on 9407 5966 or Catherine.Simcox@whittlesea.vic.gov.au