One of Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s residential aged care facilities, Yallambee Lodge welcomed ten preschool students last week as part of efforts to build intergenerational connections within the community.

A greater understanding between the generations developed as the residents talked to the students about what life was like when they were children.

While some students were initially shy, as the conversations grew so did their confidence. A highlight for one of the residents was when two students guessed his age at 50, only 47-years off the mark.

Cooma North Preschool Director Narelle Avis said the students look forward to their Yallambee Lodge visits.

“The visits help build intergenerational connections between the residents and the students. It gives the residents a new energy,” Ms Avis said.

“Some children don’t have these connections in their lives, so spending time with the residents helps build these important links.

During their visit, the students performed a song and placed bird feeders in the garden.

Despite the preschool only recently commencing visits to Yallambee Lodge, the benefits are already starting to show.

“The residents look forward to the children visiting. It’s special to see these relationships develop,” Danielle Stewart, Care Worker at Yallambee Lodge said.

“It’s lovely to hear Yallambee full of laughter as the children and residents enjoy each other’s company.

“We have also welcomed children for other pre-schools, early learning centres, and schools. They all really enjoy getting to know the residents.”

Cooma North Preschool will look to make their visits a fortnightly occurrence next year, and Ms Avis said the students are excited to see the residents more.