Aged Care Insite Issue 114 | Aug-Sep 2019 | Page 31

practical living Many programs take their cue from the ‘Dutch model’ of neighbourhood care. Known as Buurtzorg, it is potentially saving millions by enabling older citizens to live more independently with less formal support. The model encourages innovative and entrepreneurial care approaches to take seed; in one notable example, a Dutch nursing home invites university students to live rent free, all in exchange for neighbourly good will. The potential health, social and psychological benefits of such programs are noteworthy. A dual study by Linda Fried found that seniors who interacted with young people were quicker mentally and on their feet, experiencing enhanced executive function and fewer falls. Regular involvement between the old and young can also combat the scourge of loneliness in older people, which is linked to mental decline and an alarmingly greater risk of mortality. A Japanese study found that socialisation across generations increases smiling and conversation. While less work has been done on the benefits for children, at least one study suggests that kids who are around older people are less likely to buy into ageist stereotypes characterising the elderly as incompetent. The Kalyra/Montessori program will supplement this evidence base, with a partner research project led by Flinders University to commence in October. “The aim of the research will be to measure the quality of life of the residents and the psychosocial and cultural outcomes of the co-location on both the residents and the students,” says Wilby. “We expect both to experience benefits.” In many ways, the Montessori school and Kalyra are a perfect match. Each seeks to cultivate a community based on the principle of respect and individual autonomy, where people acquire skills through exercising decision-making in a range of real-world environments. ‘Practical Life’ is in fact one of Southern Montessori’s five general curriculum areas. Students partake in purposeful activities with various members of society, learning The opening of the Southern Montessori middle school inside Kalyra. Photo: Kalyra Woodcraft to behave with respect, grace and integrity. The approach aims to help students acquire a sense of their place in the world, while developing civic responsibility and community consciousness. “The intergenerational program provides a context for this to evolve,” Browne explains. “Southern Montessori already combines year levels in cycles where students can learn from older peers. This is the same concept of the cycles that we use, but on a much broader scale, the “cycle of life’.”  ■ 2 GEN SQL EDITION Have you seen the light! AIM 2 GEN SQL EDITION SOFTWARE Aged Care Financial Management software – a better solution at an affordable price! Call us now on 03 9264 8700 or email [email protected] to book a demonstration ✆ Call sales 03 9264 8700 AIM ad_APN_185x133_Apr2019_final.indd 1  Email us [email protected]  Visit us www.aimsoftware.com.au 16/4/19 8:47 am agedcareinsite.com.au 27