“Joyous”. Just one word. But it’s been used by so many of our residents to describe one surprising thing. Read on to find out more…

We like to think of life as a dance, and how once we move through the usual rhythms of work and family life, lots of us can find ourselves out of step. But we’ve found a way for different generations to dance together.

When we think of young and old together, we jump to the parent/child and teacher/pupil dynamics. Grandparents and grandchildren, too. All familiar steps in that dance of life. But in our society, there’s often very little space for anything else.

Studies talk about the positive effects of intergenerational connection on children’s emotional and mental development – often focusing on multiple generations in the same family.

But we’ve found that bringing young and old together can spark joy for everyone, even if they’re not related. Meaningful contact, finding a way to dance together, despite the differences, is good for everyone’s soul.

Austin Heath has taken the lead with its inspiring intergenerational garden at a local primary school. Getting outdoors is a no-brainer for emotional and mental health, so what better way to bring everyone together than with a spot of gardening? Residents and local pupils have joined forces to create something special that makes everyone feel, in the words of our residents, joyous.

Not just a garden, it’s a space where children and residents can get together and share their ideas and experience – on gardening, reading, art, even baking. A place where young and old find the harmony in working together. As Kim Abernathy, Deputy Head at Heathcote Primary School, tells us:

“Over the past year, it has been lovely to see these intergenerational friendships develop and thrive and the children love having Austin Heath residents visit the garden.”

Austin Heath resident Jean agrees: “The children were fantastic; we had such a great time working together in the garden. I enjoyed myself so much that I have asked to go back to the school to listen to the children read soon too!”

Across the West Midlands we decided to push the boat out with St Basil’s, which supports young people homeless or at risk of homelessness. We sponsored two boats at the Edgbaston Convention Rotary Club’s 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival so some of them could take part alongside residents and village staff. It was a roaring success – and a feel-good occasion for everyone involved:

“It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of the young people from St Basils, and how their competitiveness and enthusiasm developed during the day, with our residents supporting and coaching them.”

Exchanging ideas and inspiration. Supporting each other. Bringing joy. Dancing together, no matter our ages.