Alino Living brings back intergen play
The activities have benefits for older and younger participants alike.
New South Wales aged care provider Alino Living has reintroduced its intergenerational play program.
After pausing during the Covid pandemic, activities will resume across four of its sites on the state’s Central Coast – Lake Haven Court, Killarney Court, Rumbalara House and Vietnam Veterans’ Keith Payne VC Hostel.
The program kicked off earlier this month at Lake Haven Court in Charmhaven where an event – Busy Little Bosses Messy Play – brought babies and residents together to enjoy morning tea.
“I am so excited to start bringing intergenerational activities back to Lake Haven Court,” said facility manager Amy Holton. “The recent Messy Play event was a huge success. The residents absolutely adored it – some even commented that they hadn’t seen children or babies in years. It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”
The benefits of intergeneration play – for both aged care residents and younger participants – are well-documented. Research shows that such interactions can combat social isolation and loneliness in older adults, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
Intergenerational activities can also improve cognitive function, stimulating memory and communication skills.
They also allow older adults to share their knowledge and experiences with younger generations. For the children, the interactions can help them develop social skills.
“We are thrilled to be reintroducing intergenerational play at Alino Living,” said co-chief executive officer Justin Dover. “These activities offer a fantastic opportunity for our residents to connect with younger generations, share stories and create lasting memories. We are confident that this program will bring joy and enrichment to all involved.”
Alino Living plans to expand its intergenerational play program by launching the Good Friends initiative, which connects facilities with local day care centres.
“We are very excited about the future of intergenerational play at Alino Living,” said Ms Holton. “This is a program that truly benefits everyone involved, and we look forward to building special relationships between our residents and the younger Central Coast community.”
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