Inspired by Old People's Home for Teenagers? Here's how to make intergenerational connections in your community

Almost one in three Australians are feeling lonely. If you read that and think you might be one of them, perhaps an intergenerational friendship is the antidote you need.

Even when we do venture out and socialise, we're often mixing in our own generational bubbles. The problem is, when we only spend time with people our own age, we miss out on a richer life experience.

Old People's Home for Teenagers has taught us that when younger and older people come together, everyone's the better for it — even the ones who are most skeptical (looking at you John from season two!).

Intergenerational connections may not only help us live longer, healthier and happier lives, they're one of the best ways we can contribute to reducing ageism, which according to a recent report from the Australian Human Rights Commission, is the most accepted form of prejudice in Australia.

So, if you've ever thought reaching out to a different generation might bring a new perspective or energy to your life, but didn't know where to start, let us help!

First things first...what's your social style?

• Structured programs
• A more casual approach

Good news! There are lotsof intergenerational programs across Australia you can tap into. This handy map from the Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice can help you find one local to you.

But don't panic if your area isn't listed, there are plenty more in operation around Australia.

Volunteer Visitor Scheme

ACVVS is a national initiative which connects volunteer community visitors (18+) from all backgrounds, and older people at risk of social isolation. The goal: friendship and companionship.

Volunteers can participate in one-on-one or group visits to government-subsidised residential aged care homes, or one-on-one visits to people receiving Home Care packages.

Young Mentors

Are you a young person who's a digital whiz? Read on! Young Mentors, run by the eSafety Commissioner, connects high school students and older Australians who are wanting to improve their digital skills and knowledge.

Through these one-on-one mentoring sessions, young people get the opportunity to develop valuable teaching, communication and leadership skills while older Australians are provided with a safe environment to build their confidence, learn essential digital skills and engage with new technology.

The Young Mentors program is facilitated through schools, libraries, councils, aged residential care facilities and other community groups.

Ed Connect Australia

Ed Connect Australia is a national school-based charity that pairs volunteers (18+) with disadvantaged or young people at risk in primary and secondary schools to assist with learning support and any emotional issues they may have.

Through long-term mentoring, volunteers are able to work with students during school hours and on school grounds to work on building supportive relationships and life skills.

Playgroups

Intergenerational Playgroups are a whole lot of fun! These programs support parents and caregivers (of children under five) to connect with community services, bringing the young and young at heart together to build relationships and connections through play.

It's generally a weekly activity in aged care or retirement living facilities. Reach out and see if there's one local to you.

ILA

Are you getting the impression there's plenty of avenues for building intergenerational friendships yet? Let us introduce you to another. Intergenerational Learning Australiaconnects children from early childhood centres, primary and high schools, and undergraduates anywhere in Australia, to elders in residential aged care, retirement villages or their own home.

Interactions are based on school subjects or cultural events. They happen via video conferencing or with both age groups at the same location. All coordination between the elders, aged care organisations and schools is provided by Intergenerational Learning Australia.

Raise

Raise is a national school-based early intervention youth mentoring program. They recruit and train volunteers (aged 21+) to work with young students in years 7 to 9 to support their wellbeing and school engagement. Mentors and mentees work together in a 20-week program for two hours a week.

OPAN

If you're an older person looking for further support to connect, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) website has a range of options to connect in person, over the phone or online.

Lastly, if you've been inspired to establish or support an intergenerational program, the Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice has a great website with excellent resources and provides a professional development program.

We get it, structured group activities aren't everyone's cup of tea, so why not start local and reach out to older neighbours? It might feel weird at first but little acts like a wave in the street, or a note in the letterbox, can make a big difference.

So, you've knocked on doors and struck up some conversation, but what next? Feeling comfortable and at home is important in any friendship as is sharing activities that allow different kinds of connections.

If you need some creative, community-building inspiration, Neighbourhood Connect has lots of good ideas. There's everything from baking to front-yard movie nights, street libraries to gardening.

Still not convinced? Here's some examples we prepared earlier.

Cooking treasured recipes together

Is there any greater bonding experience than cooking, or even better, eating with company?

Cooking is good for brain health. We use our memory to remember ingredients, and keep our minds busy planning and carrying out the actions needed to turn a recipe into a masterpiece.

Food also triggers memories through taste and smell – flavours from years ago can bring back memories of that time.

Sharing knowledge

Or avoid the kitchen mess, and try this word activity to explore similarities and differences between you and your new friend.

We'll leave the final comment to our series two participants: we're all in this together!

Watch the new season of Old People's Home For Teenagers from Tuesday, October 3 at 8:30pm on ABC TV, or stream on ABC iview.