The Power of Play: Strengthening Senior Well-Being Through Generational Bonds
Watching children frolic on playgrounds brings joy to parents and grandparents alike, but recent research reveals playing together can significantly uplift mental health.
Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the University of Canberra (UC) have delved deep, exploring the benefits of intergenerational play through specialized playgrounds crafted for both kids and adults.
Intergenerational play unites young children with older adults for fun and creative activities like storytelling and various games.
With the global population aging rapidly, the share of folks over 60 is expected to double by 2050, and those over 80 will triple, raising concerns about social isolation.
According to Fanke Peng, Associate Professor and Deputy Director at UniSA, communities must evolve to create public spaces where different generations can congregate and bond.
She states, "There's a social divide between older and younger people, leading to limited meaningful interactions beyond families and schools. This segregation contributes to feelings of isolation and can worsen mental health issues for older adults."
Framing playgrounds as tools for fostering these intergenerational connections could be key to enhancing community mental health, Peng suggests.
During workshops aimed at designing these play spaces, older participants shared insights about their interactions with children and envisaged how these communal areas could look.
Hetty, one of the workshop participants, voiced, "Spending time with children is good for my health, and it's rewarding to feel young again through play."
Feedback from participants highlighted the significance of accessibility features like shade, water, and toilets, ensuring older adults can fully enjoy these shared areas.
But Peng points out existing barriers to play for older adults—perceptions and stigmas often dictate play is solely for the young.
Removing these societal hurdles is pivotal for encouraging interaction between generations and tackling mental health concerns associated with aging, she argues.
"Designing spaces where both children and seniors can engage creates opportunities to bridge generational gaps and actively care for the community," she explains.
Her chapter, titled "We Want to Play Too," in the book Design for Dementia, Mental Health and Well-being encapsulates these ideas, emphasizing the need for change.
Meanwhile, another initiative catering to younger generations has arisen: two sisters, Christelle Abboud and Rachelle Hannoush, are readying the launch of Rooted Play Studio.
Situated at 2450 Main St. in Glastonbury, the new indoor children’s play studio aims to fill the gap for educational and developmental activities targeted at the youngest age groups.
"We wanted to provide educational experiences for kids; there wasn’t much available for toddlers and infants," Abboud noted, highlighting the inspiration for their venture.
With Rachelle’s background as an early childhood educator, their studio is set to offer classes from music to STEM for children aged birth to six.
They're creating spaces where families—working, non-working, and caregivers—can thrive together, aiming to connect and engage children through play.
Hannoush stated, “Everything we offer, whether it’s classes or workshops, will cater to the needs of both kids and parents.”
The studio will also feature themed rooms for private parties, ensuring parents can celebrate their children’s milestones conveniently.
Getting the studio ready, Abboud elaborated, “We envisioned it as open and welcoming, perfect for kids to engage freely and learn together.”
Prairie Grove is another community where educators have embraced the spirit of play, inspired recently by former MLB player Jim Morris during their convocation.
He shared his incredible story of transition from being a 35-year-old science teacher to achieving his dream of playing Major League Baseball.
Morris recounted how pivotal it was to have supportive figures, or “dream makers”, during his upbringing, contrasting against the negative influences he encountered.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, he encouraged educators gathered at Prairie Grove to understand their immense influence on students.
He mused, "You might not see it, but the impact you create today can resonate far beyond your classroom."
This sense of duty and inspiration not only uplifts the students of Prairie Grove but also the educators shaping their futures.
Through storytelling, play, and community engagement, both the older and younger generations stand to gain so much from these enriched interactions.
Many participants noted how their experiences with children rejuvenated their lives, instilling hope, purpose, and joy.
It seems today, more than ever, play isn’t just for children—it’s for everyone, uniting generations and enhancing well-being.
Without these shared experiences, mental health issues can thrive, making it imperative to dismantle the barriers obstructing play across ages.
Research continues to suggest using environment design to facilitate interaction between generations could yield significant benefits for both sides.
Creating spaces inclusive of all ages ensures thriving communities where individuals feel valued and connected, diminishing isolation.
While implementing these changes might take time, the potential rewards for social cohesion and mental health are immense.
Share your thoughts and tips on intergenerational play—what's been working for your community?
