Ageless Play

Intergenerational playgroups are a fun, safe and educational way for children, parents, caregivers and older Australians to join together through a fun weekly activity to learn and connect through play. 

Bringing different generations together fosters awareness, understanding, and respect between generations, and breaks down social barriers and isolation commonly experienced by new parents and ageing communities.

“As a community initiative for residential Aged Care settings, you cannot underestimate the power of this type of program. With the right tools, an intergenerational playgroup is relatively easy to establish, and yet the far-reaching, positive benefits between young and old are remarkable.” Wendy, Diversional Therapist, Catholic Healthcare Villa Maria Centre.

Through a range of playgroup programs, communities are supported by nurturing relationships through play. So many benefits lead from the interaction of these groups with moods being lifted, and interesting conversations being had.

Seeing a little four-year-old boy high-fiving an elderly man, taking note of an older woman leaning in close to a little girl as they work together to complete a board puzzle, or perhaps wondering what is being said when a little girl is indicating ‘four’ with her fingers to an older man. Aged four, four pets, four siblings. Who knows? What is special with all of these images is the bond between such wide-ranging age groups but none the less important for their sense of self-worth and wellbeing.

This month, ABC TV will begin airing a special program, Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds. Co-produced by ABC and Endemol Shine Australia, the series is based around a unique social experiment where a group of older retirement home residents is brought together with a group of pre-schoolers, to see if this inter-generational contact can improve the health and wellbeing of the older people, thus helping them to lead happier, and healthier lives. Airs on ABC on Tuesday 27 Aug 2019, 8:32pm or stream via ABC iview.

Ageless Play seeks to bring together the generations through a range of playgroup programs, supporting communities and nurturing relationships through play. Ageless Play is an initiative of our official partners, Playgroup Australia. For more information, see their contact details below.