Age proving no barrier to friendships
A retirement village in central Auckland is changing the lives of seniors and students alike.
Hillsborough Heights in Mt Roskill is bringing seniors and students together as part of an intergenerational friendship program.
The retirement village hosts activities that match up young people, ranging from 3 years old to secondary school students, with residents at Hillsborough Heights.
The activities include play dates with Roskill South Kindergarten and technology tutorials from the secondary students at Lynfield College.
Resident Shirley Hardwick, 82, said her grandchildren did not visit her often but through these activities she had made ‘‘so many little friends’’.
Hardwick visits Roskill South Kindergarten once a week to read to students.
‘‘The children greet me with lots of cuddles - so many of these children are from other countries and their grandparents are overseas, so I think they like spending time with oldies like me,’’ Hardwick said.
Roskill South Kindergarten students also visited Hillsborough Heights once a month for a play date with the residents.
Hardwick said the residents’ favourite thing about the children was how spontaneous they were.
‘‘When the children visit, the residents’ faces just light up - the adrenaline kicks in and everyone starts laughing, singing and dancing.’’ The activities were also beneficial for the children, Hardwick said.
‘‘The youngsters learn how to interact with people with disabilities - many of us have trouble seeing or hearing,’’ she said.
Resident Mike Allsot, 82, who attended the Lynfield College technology tutorial last month, said he was ‘‘blown away’’ at how smart and polite the students were.
Hillsborough Heights activities coordinator Lisa Knightly said many residents were isolated from friends and family and these activities were their only chance to interact with other age groups.
Age Concern New Zealand, a charitable organisation dedicated solely to people over 65, said one in 10 elderly people felt lonely all or most of the time.
‘‘These friendships can combat loneliness, helplessness and boredom. They can also improve memory and have positive effects for dementia sufferers,’’ Knightly said.
‘‘I have made so many little friends’’ Shirley Hardwick.