Music, art bring together seniors and toddlers

Thursday 25 May 2017

The sounds of the Hokey Pokey and children squealing with delight are filling the halls of Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community thanks to a new music and art program enabling toddlers and seniors to interact and enjoy activities people of all ages enjoy.

Every fortnight, more and more young families from the Kingsville area are coming along to the music and art sessions run by staff at the Community, and the benefits to both the young and young at heart are clear.

The idea began with Kingsville mother Hannah, who wanted her daughter to understand there is more to Christmas than presents.  After visiting the Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community with her daughter to decorate a Christmas tree with residents last year, Hannah felt there was huge potential for parents and children to connect with seniors at the aged care service.

Hannah raised this with Uniting AgeWell Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator Pamela Bruder and the fortnightly art and music group was born.

“We see fantastic benefits for our residents, many of whom are in advanced stages of dementia,” says Pamela. “They often show a level of engagement during the sessions that just isn’t there during their everyday activities.”

“It’s nice for the parents too.  It provides an opportunity to connect and socialise with others in the community, and to feel they are teaching their kids about different aspects of life.”

The art group involves painting and drawing activities and, following the success of the music group, Pamela intends to add some singing to the program.

The music group, now known as ‘Happy Feet’, begins with well-known children’s tunes, such as the Hokey Pokey and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as older favourites like Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  The children hand out instruments for people to use as they sing along and at the end there is a parachute and balloon activity, which Pamela says brings out the sparkle in everyone’s eyes.

“The kids who have been shy to begin with jump out of mum’s lap and enjoy playing under the parachute and interacting with the clients,” she said.

“And clients, who may have barely moved or smiled during the singing, will play with the kids, batting balloons to and fro.
“It’s a fabulous ice-breaker and lovely to see the interaction and engagement between everyone.”

Hannah says her daughter loves the sessions and is always asking when they will return.

“She loves dressing up in her favourite princess dresses for the occasion,” said Hannah.

Corinne has enjoyed the opportunity to do something different with her son Sam and to see the joy the older participants get from the session.

“It’s great seeing everyone getting active, concentrating and knowing what to do,” she said.

Anyone interested in participating in the intergenerational group at Kingsville can contact Pamela Bruder on 9680 0400.