At TriCare’s Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence in Brisbane, Queensland, age is just a number when it comes to making friends and building meaningful connections!
We often hear that age separates us, and in many ways, our communities reflect that divide—young people spend their days in schools, while older adults are often in their homes or retirement residences, with little natural overlap.
But when generations come together, something special happens.
Last month, Year 12 students studying Certificate 3 in Health Services Assistance from Macgregor State High School in Brisbane visited Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence, sparking a day filled with meaningful conversations and joyful connections.
It was a heartwarming reminder of the mutual benefits that come from bridging generations, from shared stories to newfound friendships and timeless wisdom!
Bringing communities together
The intergenerational program has been reinvigorated by Rosanne Sergeant, Lifestyle Coordinator at Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence.
With more than eight years of experience in aged care, Rosanne enjoys the positive impact she has on the residents.
“When I found out the program had happened before at our aged care facility, I jumped at the chance to get the program up and running again and bring together youthful energy and lifelong wisdom in the one room,” said Rosanne.
“We’ve had the students come out a few times now in 3-week blocks, but already in such a short timeframe, our residents have made meaningful connections with the students.
“Some of the students come each time and you can tell they look forward to seeing the same residents.
“It’s just wonderful because you can see that both have made a connection and they enjoy the company of each other.”
From balloon games to ring toss to a game similar to beer pong, the activities aim to maintain physical and cognitive fitness, keeping residents active and engaged.
The visits aren’t just about keeping active—they’re also about sharing stories and learning from one another.
Even for residents with limited mobility, a chat is as good as gold.
“For residents in wheelchairs, a chat with the students ensures they are not excluded and can still engage.”
Picture above: Rose and Tennille
It’s about inspiring the next generation
Macgregor State High School health teacher, Tennille Brown, said the program gives the Certificate 3 students a chance to interact with an elderly population, focusing on developing communication and care skills in a real-world setting.
“Some of the kids don’t have grandparents., whether that’s because they have passed away or they live internationally. So they don’t have a chance to interact with an elderly generation.
“This program is a fantastic way for them to do so and be exposed to those with mobility issues and sometimes communication difficulties, as it’s vital to help develop soft skills associated with a career in healthcare.”
Ms Brown, who has almost 20 years’ experience in the education system, shared that the students always look forward to coming back to see the residents.
“The kids love it,” Ms Brown said.
“When we go back to school, the kids have the biggest smiles on their faces for the rest of the day.
“One of the residents, Lee, is not particularly social and doesn’t like to engage with people. But he made a connection with one of our students where he came out of his shell and was speaking and talking.
“It’s just wonderful to see.”
Closing the gap
The initiative has been so successful that students are eager to participate more frequently, and some are being considered for traineeships in the healthcare industry.
Year 12 student, Mercia, who is studying Certificate 3 in Health Services Assistance, believes the program allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare and a career in aged care.
“I really enjoyed just chatting with everyone and helping out with the activities,” said Mercia.
“One of my favourite parts was seeing how happy and excited the residents were. I didn’t expect to form such genuine connections with them.”
“This whole experience gave me a much better understanding of what it means to care for older people, and it’s made me excited to explore a career in aged care.”
The benefits of intergenerational activities
This memorable series of visits beautifully highlights the lasting and transformative benefits intergenerational connection can have
For young people, these benefits can include:
- Development of life skills, communication skills, self-esteem, and confidence.
- Undivided time and attention from an older adult.
- Feeling needed and the opportunity to help seniors learn new skills, such as using technology.
- Learning new interests, skills, and life experiences from an older adult helps to broaden knowledge and understanding of the world.
- Improved respect for the older generation and themselves.
For older adults, benefits tend to include:
- Decreased risk of depression, better physical health, higher degrees of life satisfaction, and more optimism for the future.
- The opportunity to leave a powerful legacy, make a difference, and support the course of a young person’s life.
- Gaining a refreshed world view, especially for those facing health challenges and other losses.
- Learning and teaching new skills to a receptive audience.
With research showing the long list of benefits from intergenerational relationships, events such as the one that took place at Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence are becoming more common.
There are even popular TV documentaries and programs showing how these connections transform lives. ABC’s Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds is a great example.
Roseanne from TriCare Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between different age groups.
“The interactions allow the youth to learn about the residents’ life experiences, which they might not have otherwise,” said Rosanne from TriCare.
“The residents enjoy sharing their stories and you can see the students’ eyes widening when they listen. It’s really beautiful to watch the mutual respect and understanding between the generations.
“We look forward to hosting more Macgregor High students here at TriCare Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence next term!”
To find out more about Sunnybank Hills Aged Care Residence close-knit community or book a private tour, simply click here.For more information on TriCare’s Aged Care Residence and Retirement Living, visit https://www.tricare.com.au/ or say hello to one of their friendly staff.
