Summaries of the impact of this intergenerational program can be found in the 2021  OPAL HEALTHCARE SOCIAL IMPACT REPORT (P17-18) and SEFA PARTNERSHIPS Impact Report

Below is feedback from participants themselves, from video reflections and post-program surveys – an important tool for the evaluation and improvement of any program.

In conducting post-program surveys for over 6 years of running intergenerational programs with teenagers, consistent themes come through in student feedback:

• Increased patience, confidence, gratitude and a feeling of connection to community;
• an appreciation of what they have in their life
• a dawning of how much they have a lot in common, and are in fact way more similar to their older buddies than they had anticipated ( a great breaking down of stereotypes to help in the bid to combat ageism. )

And in feedback from our older people and those caring for them

• Increases in their cognitive and physical confidence
• Feeling valued and that they still have an important role in their community
• Increased feelings of connection and willingness to join activities within their own community in their aged care home
• An increased sense of meaning and purpose in their lives

Supported by Sutherland Council, an adapted version of STEP was used for an intergenerational trial run by Heart & Soul Story between Sylvania High School and older people living with dementia at Hammond Care Miranda. “The Ripple Effect” film can now be used as an important way to increase awareness and education of the benefits of sensitively planned connection programs, and act as a catalyst for conversation in the community about effective and sustainable connection between generations as a significant benefit to the well-being and mental health of both groups. The film was screened for the first time at the Seniors Festival in Sutherland on 23 March 2024, watch the film here.

See the videos below from students, parents, teachers and older people talking about the impact being part of an intergenerational program has had on them.

” We benefited by developing empathy and it broke down stereotypical barriers” Casper & Owen

” A break from stress” Sabrina

“It’s a fun learning experience, and their stories often relate to situations we are going through“

“I found that talking to older people was beneficial because I learned about myself.”

“I found this program very educational and fun. Each week got even better as I stopped worrying about it as much and looked forward to the different conversations I could have with the residents”

“I have learned that older people are not what you think,

they are full of wisdom and teach a lot to younger generations”

“Something that I will take away from this experience is how the residents were really just like any other” person. It was very encouraging to see how similar we all are despite our differences.”

“I loved learning about how like was when they were children. I think this made me reflect on my own behaviour, and how privileged we are to be living in the time that we do.

This taught me to appreciate things more”

“Gave me a wiser, more experienced view I am going to keep with me forever” Wil

Teachers

“Intergenerational programs change their lives” Anthony Dennehey

“Magical to see the bonds form in their relationships – they treasured the friendships they made and it had a huge impact on them” Sarah Travis year 10 teacher

Aged Care Residents

“We learn from each other” Katina

Want to have your own impact? Reach out to chat with us about how to go about setting up your own intergenerational program or having one run for you…. or in the meantime you can always send a modern or old-fashioned message of love