Connecting Generations at Manor Grange Care Home

We were delighted to welcome a lovely group of second-year pupils from the local Craigmount High School to socialise with the Manor Grange Residents. Their visit was part of a brilliant project-based learning initiative, which aims to foster positive connections between today’s teenagers and the older generation. Residents soaked up the vibrant and lively energy that filled our home as they spent time with the polite, understanding and chatty students.

The pupils spent valuable time with our residents taking part in a range of activities, including games, dancing, interviews, and even litter picking. Both age groups had such an excellent time that we also welcomed pupils from Craigmount High School to share a festive movie afternoon with us at Christmas.

Intergenerational interaction brings a refreshing change of pace to care home life, introducing new an atmosphere, routines, and perspectives that can brighten residents’ days and break up familiar patterns. Having young people around encourages residents to get on their feet and join in the dancing in a gentle, comfortable and enjoyable way, which is brilliant for their physical and mental health.

Spending time with younger generations also provides valuable cognitive stimulation, prompting conversation, curiosity, problem-solving, and memory recall, all of which can support ongoing brain health. Socialising with new faces creates opportunities to build meaningful relationships throughout and beyond our home, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. 

The students also spent time interviewing residents about their lives, giving both age groups a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other. This natural bonding invites residents to reminisce about their youth, sharing stories, experiences, and memories that affirm their identities, celebrate their life histories, and allow them to feel heard, valued, and connected across generations.

Here at Manor Grange Care Home in Edinburgh, we love inviting local groups and organisations to share their stories, skills and experiences with our residents, as part of our varied wellbeing programme. To stay up to date with what we’re up to, give us a follow on social media or come and join in the fun yourself and arrange a home tour.