Creating connections between generations

Paintbrushes, puzzles, books and blocks were the tools that brought generations together to wrap up the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival this week.

After enjoying a sweet treat to boost the energy, five residents from one of Anglican Care’s residential aged care facilities joined a dozen pre-schoolers from Newcastle Montessori Academy Child Care Centre to engage in creative pursuits at Marketown Shopping Centre.

The residents, who arrived from Scenic Lodge Merewether, ranged in age from 87 to 96, while the children were three and four years old.

For an hour, the age gap was irrelevant, with the intergenerational group sharing stories, laughs and splashes of paint in a session that organisers described as “an invaluable connection”.

“This is always something the residents really look forward to,” Anglican Care Lifestyle and Wellbeing Team Leader Caroline Lebedew said.

Newcastle Montessori Academy Supervisor Vicki Gilbert added connecting with the local community was important.

“Our centre has a lot of international students and many of the children have left family behind, which makes this connection with senior citizens very important.

“It’s such a beautiful interaction, and it’s so good for the children.”

The NSW Seniors Festival went from 3 to 16 March.

Check out this video footage from the day.