'They give us life!': Seniors get boost from weekly play dates

A rambunctious bandof three year-olds and a group of seniors with early stages of dementia have become weekly playmates atAlgonquin College's Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care.

Eleven seniors from the centre get a visit from children with the Algonquin College daycare on Thursday morningsfor a play date full of games, sing-alongsand craft making that's beneficial to both young and old.

Kailey Lewis, one of the coordinators of programs for seniors, said the visits are the highlight of the day for the elderly group.

"When the kids walk in they are just bright faces, big smiles," Lewis said. "I see them light up like no other activity."

The seniorsare part of a day program atthe centre that provides stimulating mental and physical activitiesand also offers respite for their caregivers.

Engaging with youngstersin songs and crafts, playing guessing gamesandgenerally having fun also functions as brain and memory exercises for the seniors, who are 80 years and older and have been exhibiting signs of dementia.

The meetingsalso decreasetheir sense of social isolation, especially for those whose grandchildren live in another city, Lewis said.

The seniors participating in the program wereclearlydelighted with theyoung companions.

"They give us life!" Frida Herskovitzsaid. "They're laughing, they're jumping, they're doing everything kids do!"

"They seem so spontaneous," added Earle Smith. "As adults we sometimesthink before we answer, while a childjust goes boom!"

Daycare coordinator John Heflersaid the feeling is mutual, and the childrenlook forward all week to see their older friends.The children thrive and learn under the attention and care they receive from the seniors, he said.

"What I really love is the playfulness, I love the interaction," Heflersaid.

Seniors and preschoolers benefit from weekly play date

8 years ago

Duration 0:54

Sing-alongs and games double as memory excercises that encourage brain function.