Pairing teens and old folks off as companions would have been thought ludicrous until recently – what could these two seemingly diametrically-opposed generations possibly find in common?
As it turns out, there’s more than you would first imagine.
Teens and nursing home residents are in fact two of the most at-risk groups for declining mental health – and for remarkably similar reasons.
Both groups are often searching for meaning and relevance, combatting feelings of loneliness or marginalisation, and both tend to agonise over their independence and self-determination in the world.
Over the past few years, television audiences have witnessed the power of meaningful connections between the young and the old.
The small screen experiments in the award-winning Old People’s Home for 4 Year Old’s and its sequel Old People’s Home for Teenagers proved the worth of intergenerational bonding in improving health and wellbeing in its elderly participants, and building confidence, empathy and social skills in its younger stars.
And the most profound benefit to come for both teens and older Australians was a bolstered sense of purpose and self-worth.
One local school has begun to explore these mutually-beneficial relationships.
A group of Year 8 and 9 students from Australian Christian College – Darling Downs have just finished up their third visit to the Armadale Place Care Community as part of their new Community Service curriculum.
And the pilot program has been a resounding success, by all accounts.
Teacher and program facilitator Bonita Barham said the idea was borne from a desire to turn around the mental health of young people.
“The principal and I looked into lots of studies which showed how volunteer service can help mitigate that spiral into depression, and service is an integral part of our core values and beliefs at the school,” she said.
“Part of this was instilling the opportunity for students to choose their role and where to put their volunteer energy.
“The first opportunities for service in Term 1 were within our own school community, where the students felt the most comfortable.
“But it was important to lift the bar and look further afield.”
The next project was a neighbourhood litter patrol; students collectively filled 10 large garbage bags in a 45-minute period while walking up and down Ninth Rd.
“They were really chuffed with themselves,” she said.
But Term 3 called for something that would take the kids well out of their comfort zones, and a connection was made with the Armadale Place Care Community.
“We started preparing before our first visit by painting a picture of the needs of elderly people, instilling empathy, and roleplaying to get into the vibe,” Ms Barham said.
“We practised giving direct eye contact, and being brave enough to initiate communication.”
The first visit was all about introductions and breaking the ice.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking, because it was a new environment,” Year 9 student Izel Gonsales said.
“But I was really hoping to connect and bring happiness and joy. Some of them hadn’t seen or heard from their relatives in a long time, and I realised that just listening helped to make them feel seen.
“After the visit my heart was very soft – I loved the feeling of connecting with people.”
During the second week, students challenged residents to board games. And on their third visit, the teens read stories to their new pals.
For many of the teens involved, the experience had a profound impact on them.
“I realised they’re not different to you or I, they just have more experience,” Year 8 student Alex Mouton said.
“I grew a very strong friendship with a lady named Violet. She likes reading about history, and she was very surprised that I’m a Christian because of the assumption young people are not that into religion these days. We connected over bible verses.
“Something about that relationship and connecting with someone outside my own world was really joyful – I loved the experience and I wish I could go there again.”
Ms Barham said the change in her students was palpable.
“What they’ve picked up is amazing – you can see their growth, and their empathy is tangible,” she said.
“It’s exactly what I was hoping they would get out of it.”
The students have already expressed their desire to return. And Ms Barham said the Armadale Place Care Community was eager to have them back.
“I think it’s been a real success, and I think we will incorporate it into the regular curriculum,” Ms Barham said, who was excited to officially launch the school’s Community Service subject this year.
“It’s all about sowing the seeds of others’ needs and wellbeing – which is so contra to the world we live in which is all about ‘me’.
“There will be a progression from Year 7, where we start to introduce the volunteer ethos by getting them involved with things like Operation Christmas Child, and Tide Turners.
“In Year 10, we’ll begin introducing them to The Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
“And by Year 12, we hope to have young men and women who are comfortable and confident citizens in their own community.”
Teens find
