Bridging the generations

By Jo Cranstoun, Communication Manager

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Retirement living providers have an opportunity to create more than just fabulous places for downsizers and retirees to call home, they can deliver a sense of place and belonging to their wider communities.

Urbaine has helped to tell some inspirational stories from Australia’s leading retirement provider, Aveo, sharing their methods to bridge the gap between the young and the young at heart.

Intergenerational playgroups are putting smiles on the faces of kids and seniors alike, providing an unmatched experience for multi-generational play at Aveo communities across the country.

Aveo’s Springfield community’s ageless group program was showcased across several media platforms, including TV news through Channel Nine’s weekly Seniors Report by Bruce Paige.

The community opened its doors to Bruce, allowing him to join the fun with the children from the nearby Seedlings & Co Early Learning Centre for their regular play date.

It’s unclear who receives the most benefit from the visits the retirees or the tots. “I think it’s a lovely idea and I enjoy spending time with these precious littlies,” Aveo resident Sue Halliday says.

Seedlings and Co’s early education teacher Moka Pulemoana agrees the community program delivers mutual benefits to both generations.

“Some of the children don’t have grandparents, or they don’t live in the same country, so this connection with a senior adult is very important,’’ Moka says.  

“Our children are so comfortable in the village’s space and the conversations with their special friends never stop. It’s lovely what happens here.”

Another Aveo community initiative provides underprivileged school children in Brisbane with access to clean clothes through a collaboration with mobile laundry charity, Orange Sky.

The program, highlighted online and in print media, involved a laundry van delivering dirty clothes to the village’s residents who connected with Orange Sky volunteers to return them cleaned to the children.

Aveo Sales Manager Amanda Adam says: “Not only do our residents assist with the laundry but they chat to Orange Sky’s volunteers. The conversations make for a more enjoyable day for the volunteers who might otherwise be standing around between wash loads at the depot.’’

Now the trial is complete, Orange Sky is considering how the program might be implemented at other retirement living communities.

It is such a wonderful experience for our Urbaine team to share the stories about how our clients are making positive changes across their communities.

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