Closing the generation gap in Whittlesea

Isabelle Frost and Emily Simcox.

By Laura Michell

Whittlesea council is on a mission to connect the municipality’s younger and older communities.

Inspired by a recent televised social experiment, which involved elderly people in a retirement community being joined by a group of four-year-olds, the council is looking for groups that are interested in adding intergenerational activities to their program.

Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova said intergenerational activities were beneficial for children and older people.

“Be it an annual event or a weekly program they all add value to the wellbeing of children and older people,” she said.

“Intergenerational activities have many positive benefits for both children and older people including improved social development and learning for children and better physical and mental health for older adults.

“We can all learn something from each other, no matter what the age.”

To learn more about the council’s intergenerational project, call 9407 5966.