Time is an elusive thing, especially in the way that it moves fast. Those who live in a retirement village in Ferntree Gully echo this sentiment. Time rushes by. On other days, time can move at a glacial pace, crawling along and the residents seek out moments of excitement and fun, as we all do. One such initiative the residents have been part of is a pilot project, where they welcome families to join them for an intergenerational playgroup.

“It brings us so much happiness and joy,” said Iris.

“We have so much fun and laughter with everyone in here and we just love coming! It’s excellent and it is good all round for everyone- old, middle and young.”

Iris has a zest for life, travelling overseas often, including to places such as Egypt, India and Europe. In fact, the residents at Glengollan aged care village have energy, going out for regular lunches and enjoy a packed social calendar of events. They have all had interesting lives, in the small and big ways that humans do. They have stories to tell and much to share and give.

The intergenerational playgroup pilot program began in 2023, developed to engage and benefit communities.

“The intergenerational playgroup project was born from our commitment to create opportunities for children, their parents and older adults to come together, share stories and experience the joy of play,” said Playgroup Victoria’s CEO, Danny Schwarz.

With thanks to the generous support of The Collie Foundation and Equity Trustees, Playgroup Victoria were able to develop and pilot an intergenerational playgroup kit. The kit is a practical resource designed to help communities establish playgroups that foster social, cognitive and emotional wellbeing for all involved.

“Witnessing the laughter, learning and friendships that have blossomed through this initiative has been truly inspiring,” said Danny. “Together, we are building vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone belongs.”

“We know that genuine connection across generations enriches everyones lives.”

Many of the residents at Glengollan are living away from their children, or their family. Some closely link their sense of identity with their profession, such as teaching. You see that they have a new lease of life as the babies and toddlers make their way into their playgroup space.

Lizzie, aged 87, was one such teacher and said that it makes her feel that she should never have given up work. “I see improvements in all these little ones and they mean as much to me as my kids.”

Lizzie absolutely loved working with children and has “so much fun” every Wednesday morning with the playgroup.

“It was especially special today when we went and visited the vegetable garden and had bubbles and silver bubbles floating in the air and all the children were so happy and I am just glad to be part of it. Thank you very much.”

Despite the difference in ages, it is the commonalities that stand out more: our need for affection, for connection, for conversation, for movement- and for play.

Maureen Hatcher from Playgroup Victoria loves to see the interactions between the ages:

“Pure fun and proving the ability to be young at heart and play!”

Maureen, alongside her colleague Jo O’Reilly, has enthusiastically helped communities to run a series of intergenerational playgroups throughout Victoria as part of the pilot program.

“Each group is unique and seeing relationships grow across generations brings joy, learning and a deep sense of community,” said Maureen.

Through experience Maureen and Jo know that music, storytelling, games and shared activities like craft and gardening enliven the playgroup.

“Familiar routines, a warm welcome and a relaxed pace help everyone feel comfortable,” said Maureen. “Activities that spark conversation, laughter and shared memories are key to bringing all ages together. Smilies are a must!”

Music is a powerful connector during the sessions. Favourite tunes such as You Are My Sunshine, Five Green Speckled Frogs, Humpty Dumpty, Teddy Bears Picnic and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star reach out and touch something within the older and younger participants, along with the parents and carers. The melodies and music reside within us, in a similar way to evocative fragrances and the tone of voice of loved ones. The sensory system is enlivened by the singing and as such, it also regulates and calms as the group sing in unison. Babies are watching on at the surrounding movement, as are the older residents who sit and have a cup of tea at the side. Not only are the participants compelled to move, crawl, dance and talk, they are simultaneously supporting their health and wellbeing- they are actively building their skills.

“Familiar songs have a way of pulling everyone in,” said Jo. “They turn a simple joyful moment into something shared- creating a true sense of belonging and community".

Leanne Michaud, the local Knox playgroup team leader, creates a colourful, vibrant and inviting space for all attendees with mats, toys and activities ready to explore. Leanne incorporates different play ideas and monthly themes taken from the Playgroup Victoria calendar, to inspire families through the seasons.

“The space feels like a living area in a home, everyone is welcome and included. It is set up the same every week, so the children know what to expect or what they are coming to in the room.”

Katrina, a local Mum, said she has loved coming to the group from day one.

“It has been great to get out of the house and do something new and different. It’s been great for Layla to meet new friends and for me to have some adult interactivity. It’s been amazing, we really appreciate it.”

Appreciation is a word that continues to come up between the playgroup participants.

In another nearby intergenerational playgroup, there are several high care residents. Leanne said that the playgroup interactions really change the lives of the people living there, in a hugely positive way.

“Lovely Karen, I think that was her name, said to me:

‘I love coming every single week, seeing the happy smiles on the young children’s faces. It is actually the only thing that gets me out of the room.’”

Like her fellow residents and citizens, Karen still wants for the goodness of life, to feel valued, seen and heard. None of this changes as time goes on.

At one point after the pilot drew to a close, numbers grew low at the Glengollan intergenerational playgroup. Leanne said they discussed stopping the program but residents Lizzie and Maureen did not want to give it up.

“We are very proud that Knox intergenerational playgroup has continued and is now flourishing all on its own merit, thanks to Lizzie and Maureen,” said Leanne.

There has been an increased uptake as the Knox playgroup team spread the word about the playgroup. The parents and carers receive a welcome email and are invited to join a WhatsApp group, creating a village of support.

“We have had such a positive response from the community with so many new families registering,” said Leanne.

Leanne and her local playgroup team regularly drop in throughout the term.

“We did a lovely morning tea for Mother’s Day back in May, including an activity.”

The residents weeks are enriched, spending time with the families as they raise their little ones. Together, they feel a sense of purpose and belonging. They feel needed and that they have something to offer. They are easy to laugh and quick to offer reassurance and support.

The parents and carers come to this playgroup, hankering a form of connection, of community and for their child to benefit- that is at the top of the list. The spinoff is they too benefit - they reap the rewards of having time to enjoy a coffee, to enjoy a chat, to gain insights from those who have the wisdom of parenthood and family dynamics through the ages. The residents at Glengollan village offer the gift of experience and hindsight, while giving the parents and carers a rest while their children safely play.

The children have forged relationships with the residents and they love the one-on-one interaction and engagement. They enjoy sharing with the residents and showing them what they had learned each week.

In the fast-paced world we live in, with phones forever close at hand, the residents at this playgroup give the children their undivided attention- and the children gift them with smiles, insights, laughter and a lightness.

For a while, time is steady, everyone is living in the present moment.

“I am just glad to be part of it,” said Lizzie. “Thank you very much.” You can see that she means it with a big smile on her face and a knowing twinkle in her eye.

This is the stuff that matters most- the things we share and who we share them with.

Interested in starting an intergenerational playgroup? Download our support guide HERE and connect with the team at Playgroup Victoria HERE.