Generations Active Together

Coordinated by Active Stirling, the "Generations Active Together" initiative (GAT) emerges as a collaborative inter-generational project, crafted in conjunction with Generations Working Together, Stirling Council, and the support of the GOALD project led by the University of Stirling.

The GAT program unites accomplished senior sports leaders from local secondary schools with residents of care homes within their community. The fundamental objective of this programme is to break the barriers between different age groups and enhance the perceptions held about teenagers and older adults.

In the last year, a group of 65 students engaged in the programme across various schools. They received classroom-based presentations that provided a genuine understanding of the dynamics within a care home environment. 58 residents spanning the ages of 70 to 95 from four local care homes in Stirling, also participated, including Roselea Court Care Home.

The classroom presentations also encompass insights into potential career paths within the care home environment. Additionally, the students underwent Dementia Friends Training, delivered by Alzheimer's Scotland, as part of the comprehensive educational experience.

At the beginning of every academic year, students undergo training within the school premises. They acquire knowledge about the significance of physical activity for older adults and engage in discussions aimed at addressing ageism and dispelling stereotypes associated with the elderly. Additionally, students receive instruction on appropriate activities designed to promote the well-being and activity levels of care home residents.

These sessions appear to have a big impact on the students. In Wallace High, the participants were all male, Active Stirling’s Laura Taylor said; “As part of this project we talk about stereotypes, and how to avoid judging. However, here, I put my hands up, I thought these boys were never going to get involved with this. Honestly, I was blown away by their enthusiasm. They were fantastic.”

“What was more surprising was that one of the pupils from another school, was even quite impacted by the fact they wouldn’t see the residents again. The boy has been struggling in school, having issues. Now he was requesting information about volunteering opportunities, incredible.”

The students then collaborate in groups to design an exercise session, which they subsequently present to the residents of a care home, as they did at Roselea Court Care Home in Stirling. During their visit to Roselea Court, students had the opportunity to engage in conversations with the residents. This interaction serves to enhance the social skills of both students and resident groups, aiding in their continued growth and development.

We loved having students visit our care home, and seeing the wonderful interactions between them and our residents. We look forward to hosting more intergenerational activities in the near future.