We hope the program with bring many benefits to all participants. We anticipate that the older adults’ wellbeing will increase through the sharing of knowledge and skills, that there’s also an increase in
confidence and joy and a reduction of social isolation through the connection with the children and young people in the community. The program will be such fun!

Intergenerational practice programs like ours can have a number of benefits for older adults and society, including:

1. Reduced Isolation: Older adults often face social isolation, but engaging with younger generations can reduce this loneliness and create meaningful connections.
2. Mental Stimulation: Interacting with younger individuals can stimulate cognitive functions, keeping seniors mentally sharp and engaged.
3. Emotional Support: Building relationships with younger people can provide emotional support and a sense of purpose, fostering a positive mental outlook.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Older adults can share their wisdom, life experiences, and skills with younger generations, contributing to their development.
5. Physical Well-being: Participating in activities with younger individuals may encourage older adults to stay active physically, promoting better health.
6. Enhanced Communication Skills: Older adults often develop improved communication skills by interacting with people from different age groups, enhancing their social abilities.
7. Reduced Ageism: Intergenerational programs help break down stereotypes and reduce ageism by fostering understanding and appreciation between different age groups.
8. Increased Happiness: The joy of interacting with younger individuals and being a part of their growth and learning can significantly increase older adult’s happiness and life satisfaction.
9. Sense of Community: Building connections across generations creates a sense of belonging and community, benefiting both older adults and younger participants.
10. Intergenerational Learning: Older adults can learn from younger individuals, such as technology skills, contemporary perspectives, and new interests, keeping them updated and engaged with modern trends.

Our team of Outside School Hours Care educators will be leading the program at the service. These skilled and valued educators undergo training, screening, and professional development in line with the highly regulated sector which we operate in. They will often be studying towards a teaching degree and will have completed first aid certifications, child protection awareness training and have a current Working with Children Check.

To develop a strong bond with the children and service, it would be great for participants to join us on all program days; however, we understand that people lead busy lives and may have other appointments or engagements, so there is no obligation to participate every day.

If at any time you find that this program is not for you and wish to withdraw, please let us know.

Please ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for having fun participating in the activities scheduled.

We will provide some refreshments during the program, however, you are welcome to bring a lunch or snack with you. Due to the risk of anaphylaxis reactions for children and other participants, we ask that no nut products be brought into the program.

Should you require any special equipment or medication, please pack this too.

We pride ourselves on providing inclusive services to the community so we will try to accommodate any specific needs as best as we can. It will help us if you can note these needs on the participant information
sheet so we can plan or reach out for more information.

As we work in partnership with and operate out of schools, our facilities should be easily accessible.

We are excited to be partnering with Griffith University to undertake a peer-reviewed study of our intergenerational practice program.

Generation Connection is one of the first larger projects focused on the connections between middle childhood (primary school) aged children and older adults in the community, and the benefits to participants and society.This study is designed to gather information about participant’s experiences with as little burden as
possible.

Griffith University may collect the following details:
• Deidentified demographic data, such as age, location and level of participation;
• Observations from educators during the program;
• Surveys before, during and after the study; and
• An invitation to participate in a focus group to talk about your experience.

Participation is voluntary. Choosing to take part will help collect valuable information about the benefits of this type of program both at a local, national and international level. Consent forms will be distributed to
you prior to the start of the program.

To continue the connection built between the children and yourself, the team at the service will be looking to incorporate additional activities such as a pen pals program and remote/online activities (e.g. storytelling, games etc.). You are welcome to participate in these activities – keep an eye out for information provided by the service Coordinator.

In addition, if you have any special skills which you would like to share with the team, such as cooking, knitting, crafts etc., you are welcome to join us at the service – the children love special guests!