One little girl is spreading joy to the residents of Balhousie Lisden – building intergenerational friendships in the process.
Ava, whose mum Claire works at the Kirriemuir facility, is a regular visitor and likes nothing more than spending time with the home’s occupants, especially dancing during musical events.
She has built a particularly strong bond with Willie, who has lived at Lisden since May 2022, and the pair enjoy playing games and walks around the home – often going hand-in-hand.
The duo were captured on camera by staff on one of their recent strolls.
The residents always look forward to Ava’s visits, and she often joins in with the home’s games and activities.
“She loves saying hello to the residents and they love her too,” said Clinical Lead, Robyn Oliphant.
Children and older people both benefit from spending time together. Studies have shown the impact of having young people around homes can help boost confidence, increase communication and improve memory in the elderly.
Seniors also make great listeners and are able to give children their full attention – something that is not always possible in the classroom. They can also pass on wisdom, while research shows children who interact with older people often have improved reading and social skills.
