'Pre-school and early childhood engagement with seniors provide engagement that enhances both,' says educational consultant and children's author Susanne Gervay OAM. 'Impact includes increased cognitive development, empathy, social skills, community building and a sense of well being for children and seniors.
When seniors read to children, talk about the illustrations, develop creative ideas, play with imagination, children and seniors share learning and gain a sense of well being and caring between young and seniors.
Increasing pre-school centres and schools invite intergenerational interaction. Seniors and children are sharing time at the Intergenerational Playgroup Australia in every state; Intergenerational PlayGroup Australia; Montefiore Aged Cares Sydney that invites intergenerational playgroup each month as do many others; research at universities in the benefits to both children and seniors. Inspiring viewing is the ABC series Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds.
Susanne Gervay OAM
M.A (UTS) M.Ed (UNSW) Dip Ed, B.A. (USyd)
An educational consultant, Susanne has been Awarded Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award by the International Literacy Association, nominated for the Astrid Ingrid Memorial Award and Order of Australia for literature. https://sgervay.com
