In today’s fast-paced world opportunities for meaningful connections between the young and the elderly are becoming increasingly hard to come by.

However, a growing number of care homes are embracing intergenerational activities—programmes that bring together residents and younger generations, often through partnerships with local schools, nurseries and social groups such as Scouts and Brownies. These initiatives are proving to be more than just heartwarming moments—they offer tangible benefits for everyone involved.

The emotional and social boost for residents
Intergenerational programmes can bring a fresh aspect to daily routines for older people living in a care home. When children visit, whether for arts and crafts, storytelling, music sessions, or simply a chat, residents often display increased levels of engagement, and energy.

Regular interactions with young people can also help stimulate memory and cognitive function. Conversations about “how things used to be” encourage storytelling, which can be both therapeutic and mentally stimulating for older adults. It reaffirms their sense of identity and sharing their experiences helps them feel a part of the wider community.

Benefits for the younger generation
Children who participate in intergenerational activities often show improvements in social skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. These experiences teach patience, respect, and an understanding of aging—valuable life lessons not easily taught in the classroom.

For many students, forming relationships with older adults can also improve self-confidence. They see the impact of their presence and realise their ability to bring joy and comfort to someone else’s life. In a world where screens often dominate, these face-to-face connections are refreshingly real and deeply meaningful.

Building a stronger, more connected community
When schools and care homes form ongoing partnerships, the entire community benefits. These collaborations can include shared gardening projects, joint art exhibitions, pen pal programmes, or intergenerational reading clubs. They foster a culture of mutual respect, break down age-related stereotypes, and create a sense of continuity between generations.

In many cases, care home residents become unofficial mentors, offering guidance and life advice. In return, children bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and curiosity that can uplift the entire care home environment. That’s why in all of our seven care homes across East Anglia we have partner schools and nurseries which visit us on a regular basis.

Educational and cognitive enrichment
Schools also benefit academically from these partnerships. Curriculum-based activities, such as history projects, oral storytelling, and interviewing residents for writing assignments, bring lessons to life in a way that textbooks simply can’t. Aria Court Care Home in March for example set up a fantastic rainforest related project with their local school – read more about this here. Meanwhile, residents enjoy the opportunity to share their life experiences, creating a two-way learning street.

A legacy of connection
Intergenerational activities are more than occasional visits—they’re an investment in creating inclusive, compassionate communities. They remind us that learning, laughter, and friendship are not bound by age. As more care homes and schools recognize the value of these programmes, the hope is that such connections become not the exception, but the norm.
After all, bridging the gap between generations doesn’t just brighten someone’s day—it can transform lives on both sides of the age spectrum.

Take a look at some of our news articles to see the intergenerational activities taking place across Athena Care Homes.

Generation Games bring Easter fun and games to Aria Court care home – Athena

AstraZeneca volunteers bring Christmas cheer to our Cambridge care homes – Athena

Athena Care Homes Christmas market events spreading festive cheer and supporting CPSL Mind – Athena

Athena Care Homes sponsorship kicks off another exciting season for girls’ football in Kings Lynn – Athena