Katrina Tweedie
GROWING up in Africa, I never knew my grandparents but loved the presents from my Scottish granny, like heather pressed into bookmarks and a plastic bagpiper doll.
But on the one and only occasion I met her, I was terrified. She was a virtual stranger and seemed so, so old.
Fortunately, my own boys are growing up close to grandparents.
My youngest seems not to mind that Nana J can’t chat any more after a stroke but he’s still happy to share his news and kiss her face.
Their other nana has also helped with childcare since they were babies. In turn, they are familiar with her ageing challenges – regularly pulling her up from the couch when her arthritic knees fail.
We are living in one of the most age segregated countries in the world. Now a new report recommends every care home should have a link with a nursery.
The benefits of putting nursery age children together with elderly people was explored in the recent Channel 4 series Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.
Tiny poppets are unleashed in an old folk’s home and the different generations blossom. Intergeneration living and working has diminished in recent decades and society is poorer as a result.
Bringing young and older people together can help tackle some of the big social ills like poor health, anxiety and loneliness.
Close contact between different generations also reduces myths and challenges around ageism.
How wonderful that the message is being taken seriously and projects are springing up all over Scotland. In Fife, the council are planning a £10million development for a care home and nursery on the same site where the elderly and pre-school youngsters will take part in pastimes together. No one will be forced to take part and residents can choose to mix. If they do, they’ll be better for it. Just look at the “Crocs and Tots” at Buckreddan Care Centre in Kilwinning, located next to Little Deers nursery. The pre-schoolers are best friends with residents such as Agnes and Betty, who spend several hours every Thursday singing, playing and reading. “The kids don’t see them as elderly people – they see them as people,” said manager Doreen Hearshaw, whose idea it was to link them. “There are some amazing relationships and it’s been wonderful to watch. The children have become part of their lives.” They may be more than 80 years apart but never let age be a barrier to friendship.
The kids don’t see them as elderly people – they see them as people