If you’ve ever left your children in the care of their loving grandparents, you’ll know that the combination of young and old can be magic.
With the elderly bringing their patience, wisdom and experience, and the little ones bringing their wonder, excitement and honesty, they come together to teach and learn from one another.
It’s on this premise that Seattle’s Intergenerational Learning Centre is built.
The ILC, located in St Vincent, had the idea to put a preschool inside a permanent care facility for the elderly, where they could interact, tell stories and learn together.
At the facility, the children and the seniors take art lessons together, eat lunch together and sit and tell stories to one another, brightening both their days.
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According to the centre, 43 per cent of senior citizens experience ‘social isolation’, which can lead to loneliness and depression and then mental and physical decline.
A 2009 survey revealed that 28 per cent of seniors living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are on antidepressants or other depression medications.
Which is where the ILC comes in.
Care.com suggests that seniors spending time with children can improve their mental, emotional and physical health dramatically.
But just look at the statistics.
Look at the looks on the faces of the seniors when they’re allowed to feel young once more.
The ILC is the subject of a film by Evan Briggs, titled Perfect Present. Watch the trailer above.
