iTea with Bishop Tyrrell Students
The benefits of intergenerational programs are well documented, with their ability to build positive relationships between seniors and the younger generation. According to Lifestyle, Wellbeing & Diversity Manager, Jane Meldrum, the interactions between young and old provide opportunities for new energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm for all involved.
“When we combine our intergenerational programs with technology, we see even more fantastic benefits,” says Jane. “And this has been the great thing about our ongoing relationship with Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College. The students show our residents have to use technology, and our residents share valuable lessons and their life experiences from a time the students find difficult to grasp.”
In addition to teaching residents how to use the internet, an iPad, Facebook, and mobile phones, hospitality students showcase their advanced culinary skills with a lovely afternoon tea.
For one resident, Edward Jayne, it provided the chance to visit Paris in the summer after a virtual trip to the City of Lights as part of the program last year.
“I am excited to be heading back to Paris as it is now summer. It makes travel possible for me without having to worry about organising passports, visas and the crowds of tourists who would otherwise be around popular tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre,” he said. “At my age international travel is not possible; so to be able to see and experience the world in this way is something I could never have dreamt of achieving and now I’m going back to Paris. Technology is an amazing thing and to be shown by such an intelligent and patient generation is heart-warming.”
A beautiful program and a win/win for all involved. Learn more about our Lifestyle and Wellbeing Programs.
