The common room at Anglicare’s Brindabella Court retirement village was absolutely bustling on a recent Tuesday morning with the sound of music, laughter and little voices. It was the second session of our Intergenerational Playgroup and preschoolers from the Anglicare at Franklin School Early Learning Service (ELS) had arrived for a visit.
Music was at the heart of the session and served as a means of connection. Both the children and residents had prepared songs for the occasion. Accompanied by one of their teachers on guitar, the children performed cheerful renditions of Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree, You are my Sunshine and C’est la Vie, delighting everyone in attendance.
A special moment came when Bev, a resident and former music teacher, introduced the children to the flute. Bev explained how the instrument works and even gave the children a chance to try it themselves—an experience that brightened their faces with looks of curiosity and delight.
Following more songs, performed by Bev and dancing from everyone, the children paired up with residents to draw portraits of one another, leading to some wonderful and unique artistic impressions! The morning concluded with a story read aloud by another resident, and former primary school teacher, Kate.
Intergenerational playgroups, like the one at Brindabella, have been proven to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all involved. Research shows that such interactions enhance mood, reduce isolation and foster empathy and understanding across generations.
Building on the success of the Brindabella Court and Franklin ELS playgroup, staff at Anglicare’s St David’s Close retirement village are working towards an intergenerational playgroup of their own, with students from Canberra Grammar School. Still in its initial stages, this has so far involved students and residents exchanging letters of introduction. The next stage will involve exchanging video messages, before finally connecting in person.
As Playgroup Australia puts it, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Judging by the smiles and laughter shared between young and old in the Brindabella Court common room, the benefits are already clear!
