Both young and old benefit from increased time together – including a decrease in loneliness and even the possibility of delaying the onset of dementia for older people – according to new research by Griffith University’s Intergenerational Care Project.
With funding from the Department of Health’s Dementia and Aged Care Services, the Project held four trials of weekly sessions over 16 weeks in 2018 to look at the benefits of mixed aged care models – much like the ABC’s popular ‘Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds’ program which aired last year.
The team found it took just two hours a week to boost the mood of older people and for young children to improve their confidence and wellbeing if they spent time together doing activities such as painting and reading together, singing, cooking and dancing.
While the researchers say more study is needed to look at the long-term effects, it was clear the trials boosted the mood of older people and gave them a sense of purpose, which has been linked to a decreased risk of cognitive decline.
Many aged care homes and retirement villages are already onto this secret, however. Every week here at the Donaldson Sisters, we hear about a new intergenerational playgroup or choir being held at a facility or village – such as this choir at Feros Care’s villages in Byron Bay, Wommin Bay and Bangalow (pictured).
A win for everyone then.
