THERE were smiles all around as Hope Aged Care residents and St Mary MacKillop College Year 10 students spent Wednesday morning together.
Hope Aged Care lifestyle co-ordinator Donna Salathiel led the group in light exercise to classic hits like Kung Fu Fighting, Home Among the Gum Trees and Waltzing Matilda in the first of the day’s group activities as part of the school’s Service Day program.
Resident Shirley Wilkinson said it was fun to spend time with the teenagers.
“Having them here helps us to be happier, watching them react and interact with each other – it’s exciting to see them come and enjoy themselves with us,” she said.
After the exercises broke the ice between the generations, the group enjoyed lively conversation over juice and tea.
Students Emily Polkinghorne and Sam Scott received sage wisdom from the residents, including that travelling the world was a must and that they should never take up smoking.
“I could tell they just enjoyed having us join in and bring some energy, so it was nice to brighten their day,” Sam said.
Teacher Alison Wright said sharing activities with aged care residents is an opportunity for students to gain perspective of their community.
“Students see people who live in our community who they don’t see often and walk away enriched after spending time with them,” she said.
“It helps build that confidence as well, as they’re in a situation where they’re interacting with new people who they may not otherwise have reason to.
“It also has the benefit of living out our school values of mutual respect, dignity and compassion, and reflecting on how we can walk in the steps of our founding Saint Mary MacKillop.”
Ms Salathiel said the intergenerational programs bring many benefits for students and residents, having a direct effect on residents’ mood and mental health.
“Residents are able to engage with young people and reminisce about their own childhood,” she said.
“It also helps foster connection, empathy and social responsibility in younger generations.”
