Play date at Georges Estate

The lower ground floor of our newest NSW custom-built aged care home in Penshurst was a-buzz with activity this Easter as some little cuties from Playgroup NSW were getting crafty with the residents of Georges Estate yesterday in a heartwarming mix of diverse age groups.

It was wonderful to witness those clever little kids interacting with their new friends. It’s such a wonderful initiative which we hope will become a regular activity here at our beautiful aged care home.

Even CEO Graeme Prior caught a little bit of the fun and games while he was visiting the facility from WA, and a film crew from SBS also captured this magic moment between young and old.

Experts say intergenerational playgroups create valuable connections across generations, reducing isolation and increasing socialisation for all.

Nadene Lee, CEO of Playgroup NSW, said there’s anecdotal evidence of the benefits of such playgroups.

“There are clear and profound benefits for mental health, as well as for connection, selfesteem and socialisation for all generations involved, but particularly for our older friends,” said Nadene, as reported by SBS World News.

“The more of these playgroups we can offer, the greater the impact for individuals and community as a whole.”

Carmel Bollard, 89, moved into Georges Estate last year with her husband. She says life was “isolating” during the COVID-19 pandemic, so programs like Timeless Play have brought life to what were previously lonely days.

It’s been over a decade since she took care of a baby as a grandparent, and now gives the mums some advice about motherhood.

Carmel says playing with children and chatting to parents has been a positive experience.

“It’s a very good experience,” she says.

For 85-year-old Bill Barker, days are filled to the brim with activities, and that includes making some younger, new friends who visit for playgroup. Now, he likes to joke that he feels like he’s “26 and a quarter”.

Bill spends every fortnight playing at his aged care facility with babies, like fivemonth-old Charlie.

The estate manager, Kris Healy says she’s noticed a difference first-hand from the very first playgroup.

“A lot of [residents] came down and their faces were blank, but by the end of the session, they were smiling, they were laughing,” Kris said.