Zoe Moffatt
While a nine decade age gap may stop some individuals from forging a friendship, members of the Sunbury intergenerational playgroup use this age difference to teach each other social and fine motor skills.
The Monday Magic playgroup runs every few weeks and brings together about 30 residents aged between four years old and 95 years old.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health social support group and respite team leader Roz Walton said the playgroup is beneficial for all participants.
“Everyone looks forward to the playgroup … it’s a really exciting day, it gives a lot of energy to the space,” Ms Walton said.
“The older participant’s age range is between 75 and 95 years old, and a lot of them may not have much contact with their own family and so it gives them so much joy.
“The benefits of the group are so wide, what they are trying to teach to young people… is the same thing we are trying to keep present in our older participants.
“[This includes] fine motor skills, social interaction, and connection to community.
“It’s a mutually beneficial program that imparts wisdom and it’s fantastic to see the smiles on everyone’s faces… and they lovelying call them their grandfriends.”
Our Village Family Childcare co-ordinator Marlo Aisbett agreed and said the playgroup is really good for young children, especially when they may not see their grandparents often.
“The group brings everyone together,” Ms Aisbett said, “a lot of the children will have grandparents but they may not live close to them.
“Making beautiful connections with the older generation… brings out such excitement … It’s a mutual excitement and enjoyment.
Ms Aisbett said the playgroup runs for about an hour and helps to maintain and build a range of skills.
“Children learn through play, they develop social and language skills and they are also learning empathy, gentleness, respect, and acceptance of others,” she said.
“It’s also really important for [the older participants] to continue to be able to use their skills … and work on those skills.”
Details: admin@scchc.org.au
