Intergenerational Connections Through Art

You are important.

Three words written on the front cover of a handmade card made by a primary school student. The words are colourful, rainbows and love hearts fill the space.

It’s not your typical Hallmark Valentine’s Day card message. It doesn’t even come close to any store-bought card.

This one took time and effort to be made by hand. It’s uniquely yours – nobody else will receive anything like it. Because you are important.

I think about how an aged care resident might feel when they receive this lovely surprise. It is a reminder that someone is thinking of you – in this case it’s a student from the local primary school.

A heartfelt message from a primary school student to an aged care resident

One of the things I love about my work as part of Engaged Art Therapyis being able to facilitate intergenerational connections through art. The students of Northcote Primary School have kindly crafted individual cards for the residents of BlueCross Westgarth in time for Valentine’s Day 2023.

Colourful, creative and motivational cards spreading positivity around the aged care home

Northcote Primary School students bring cheer to BlueCross Westgarth residents

Since the pandemic began, intergenerational visits have been put on hold in residential aged care homes. These activities have always had a positive impact on residents’ wellbeing as they get to spend time with children and adolescents. Going from one lockdown to another has exacerbated social isolation among older adults.

We rely heavily on technology to keep residents connected with their loved ones. But before video call was invented and Zoom became a verb, we stayed in touch through handwritten letters. There is something so sentimental about receiving cards these days and cards made by children just tug on those heartstrings.

We love a cheesy greeting card

It’s not the first time Engaged Art Therapy has enabled a creative connection between primary school students and aged care residents. In November 2021, during the Omicron lockdown, the students of Fitzroy North Primary School created artistic and vibrant cards for the residents of Mercy Place East Melbourne.

Vibrant eye-catching cards made especially for aged care residents

Fitzroy North Primary School students making MPEM residents smile

Imagine receiving a one-of-a-kind, colourful and creative drawing with a message of hope to lift you up. The carefree and genuine quality of children’s art is sure to brighten someone’s day. Knowing that someone went through the effort to make you a card just to make you smile feels pretty special.

If you have a relative living in residential aged care, do consider making them a card on your next visit. You don't need to be an artist to make a heartfelt card. Something simple will surely go a long way in making your loved one smile.