The generation game: Why intergenerational activities are so important for all ages

For older people, spending time with a younger generation can bring important recognition of their existing skills, increased motivation and a reduction of social isolation as well as improved health and well-being. Likewise, for children and young people, intergenerational practice can enhance a sense of social responsibility, increase self-esteem and resilience, and, for some, provide access to supportive adults at difficult times. Through fun and diverse projects, intergenerational practice benefits whole communities through improved cohesion, increased social capital and creating opportunities for diverse volunteering; especially in organisations such as ours who rely on and value the contribution of our 2,300 volunteers. It is because of these multiple benefits that ExtraCare has committed to embedding intergenerational opportunities in each and every one of our villages and schemes, so that every resident has the chance to experience the positive impact. Currently a range of projects that bring younger and older generations together take place across our locations, from Stay and Play at Longbridge Village, in Birmingham, to Nottingham, where Lark Hill Village, which featured in Channel 4’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, is continuing to foster the special relationships developed during the show. A programme that will undoubtedly reinforce the value of intergenerational practice and enhance the claim that a retirement community can in fact be ageless.

Intergenerational activities across ExtraCare

1. Students visit Pannel Croft

Working with the National Citizen Service (NCS), Pannel Croft opened its doors to 16-18 year olds, offering them the chance to gain work experience and to build their social skills. They took part in a number of projects including a cinema afternoon, talks with residents and volunteering in the café bar. The volunteers said they loved meeting the residents and since then the village has welcomed 13 groups from the NCS.

2. Stay and Play at Longbridge

Every Thursday morning, Longbridge invites local children to come and take part in fun activities with their residents, including arts and crafts, singing and gardening. Sharing skills between residents, young parents and their children has helped to create a strong and vibrant community within the village.

3. Crafts at Rosewood Court

Children from the local nursery visit the residents at Rosewood Court every week for fun craft activities. They often bring leaves and other things that they have found on their way to use in that day’s craft making session. The residents and the children enjoy working together to create new things. 

4. Sharing Skills at New Oscott

New Oscott Village in Birmingham worked with the National Citizen Service (NCS) and welcomed students who wanted to build their skills for life and work. They planned activities with the residents that would benefit them both. This included teaching the residents how to use mobile devices and showing them how social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram work. The two age groups learned what had changed and what was the same about teenage life for both generations.