Children in care homes: 'It makes residents feel more human'

The more time young and old people spend together, the more both parties benefit

We live in a society where age segregation is on the rise. Research by the Intergenerational Foundation has found that only 5% of older people in England and Wales now live near someone under 18, whereas 15% did so 25 years ago. So the idea of intergenerational care – where children and older people come together to sing, play or just chat – seems to have much to recommend it.

Studies claim this type of interaction can decrease older people’s loneliness, delay mental decline, lower blood pressure and even reduce the risk of disease or death. But, at heart, the benefit of almost any interaction between young and old is self-evident, according to Lesley Carter, clinical lead at charity Age UK.

Related: 'It’s like being reborn': inside the care home opening its doors to toddlers

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2JW1fwR