At Forest Lakes Retirement Village, part of the Masonic Care WA community, a heartwarming intergenerational program is creating meaningful bonds between the young and young at heart.
Inspired by documentaries highlighting the positive impact of children on older adults, Village Manager Alison Atkins approached the nearby GoodStart Early Learning Centre on Geographe Way to explore a simple but powerful idea: inviting local children to spend time with village residents. GoodStart embraced the idea with enthusiasm—and from this spark, a beautiful partnership began.

The power of connection

Intergenerational programs like this are gaining recognition for their ability to foster wellbeing, empathy, and mutual understanding. For seniors, spending time with children can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, stimulate memory and cognitive function, and reignite a sense of purpose. For children, these connections help build empathy, patience, and strong social foundations early in life.

Source: Linkinggenerations.com

As Alison shared, “The aim was to provide a safe space for residents to come together and share in the joy of interacting with young children.”

The joyful innocence of the children—and the natural way they connect—brings light and laughter into the lives of residents.

GoodStart educators have also observed the benefits for their children. Spending time with older adults helps the children feel valued, build relationships with new role models, and learn how to be gently and kind in their interactions.

First Visit

The first visit took place on Wednesday, 16 April, when 8–10 children aged three and a half to five years accompanied by two GoodStart educators, arrived at the village. Alison welcomed them at the entrance and guided them safely to the clubhouse, where the room was filled with colour, creativity, and chatter. Tables were set up with Easter-themed colouring cards, crayons, and building blocks—some kindly provided by Assistant Village Manager Angel.

At first, some of the children were a little overwhelmed by the number of new faces and the unfamiliar setting. However, they quickly warmed up and settled into the activities. The children moved between tables, engaging in conversations and activities with residents in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

One of the highlights was a group song about love, performed sweetly by the children and warmly received by the residents. Feedback from the day was glowing. One resident summed it up best:

“What a fabulous way to spend an hour!”

Residents weren’t just observers—they were active participants, joining in colouring and building block play, with just as much enthusiasm as the children.

As Alison reflected, “All residents who attend are smiling for the entire time of the visit. There’s something quite incredible about watching the interactions unfold.”

At a subsequent visit, on June 20th , the children even performed yoga poses for the residents—much to their delight. Plans for future sessions include storytelling, dressing up, painting, and playdough, ensuring every encounter offers new ways to connect and engage.

Growing a Shared Community

The success of the first visit quickly led to a regular partnership, with a full calendar of monthly reciprocal visits planned through to Christmas.
The visits alternate—one month, the children come to Forest Lakes, the next, residents visit the GoodStart centre. This thoughtful rotation ensures that more children get the chance to participate, while also giving residents the opportunity to step outside their usual environment and engage with the children in a space that’s familiar and stimulating for them.

Upcoming dates are promoted in the village’s newsletter and announced at the monthly Manager’s Coffee Morning, helping build anticipation and ongoing involvement.
From GoodStart’s perspective, the program aligns beautifully with their goals for the children’s development. Educators have noted how these visits support social, emotional, and cognitive growth, with children demonstrating increased confidence, communication skills, and empathy.

Looking Ahead

This initiative is a wonderful example of how small, thoughtful actions can bring about profound impact. As part of Masonic Care WA’s commitment to person-centred living, it highlights the value of genuine relationships and the joy that comes from sharing life across generations.

Plans are in motion to continue expanding the program, offering even more residents and children the opportunity to benefit from these rich, joyful interactions.

As one resident put it: “It’s been years since I’ve heard that kind of laughter. You don’t realise how much you miss it until it’s back in the room.”