‘Good medicine’: playgroup brings generational joy
Lisa loves “Nanna Days” on Friday with her one -year -old grandson.
But now there is an extra reason that these special attachment times are looking forward – Marra Elders, who started just a few weeks ago but already won their hearts, is joining the game group.
“I call it a good medicine, Lis Lisa Aap said.
There are many advantages.
His grandson, who lives a little far away from his grandmother and grandfather, starts to learn from other elders in the group, but Lisa likes to have the opportunity to yarn with them.
“I didn’t grow up around my own elders because my elderly people have already passed away,” he said.
“This was a great opportunity for myself to learn and listen to myself.”
Ingrid Couad, the director of Aborigin Elderly Village in Adelaide, where the game group is run, says that many families cannot reach the elderly for various reasons.
However, the elderly in the village delight that they are able to convey stories and language not only to the smallest participants of the play group, but also to the generations between them.
“In fact, they teach the little ones in Pitjantjatjara with their heads, shoulders, knees and toes.” He said.
“They also teach mothers, grandmothers and residents who do not speak Pitjantjatjara, and they also learn these words.”
In playgroup, Aborigin Community Services, Playgroup SA and Local Culture Community Center Center Marra Dreaming, Elders and Children work in collaboration with adults and children.
“For our elders, this exciting new program brings joy, purpose and connection, reducing the isolation, and celebrates the vital roles in raising the culturally connected children,” Graham Ansol, General Manager of Aboriginal Services. He said.
“This is a real community approach in which young and elderly people come together to support each other, learn from each other and build strong, inclusive communities.”
The game group has worked for about a month, but Mrs. Cou’le has already noticed the difference that the only First Nations Elderly Care House in Adelaide to the inhabitants.
“We have many residents with various dementia stages and you can see their smiles when they see the little ones.” He said.
“They laugh with them, they interact with the little ones, less anxious.
“As if they see their own size, one of these benefits is the joy of seeing the little ones playing with them.
“Very good.”
