This Term at FMS, ten preschool students and 10 older adults from our community have been working an playing together with a hope to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of older adults now and in the future…
In today’s rapidly aging society, addressing the health and well-being of older adults has become a pressing concern. The George Institute for Global Health has embarked on an innovative journey to tackle this issue through the INTEGRITY trial, a community-based intergenerational program aimed at reducing frailty in older adults while simultaneously enhancing the developmental skills of preschool-aged children.
The INTEGRITY trial is the first controlled clinical trial to rigorously evaluate the impact of intergenerational programs on health outcomes in the community.
After applying in late 2024, we were delighted to be approved and included as a part of this nationwide trial.
We launched the program at FMS in Term 4, and have run weekly sessions each Tuesday. The sessions will continue throughout Term 1 2026, when the trial concludes.
The primary goal of the INTEGRITY trial is to determine the effectiveness of a community-based intergenerational program in reducing frailty among older adults and improving their quality of life. It also aims to support the developmental skills of preschool-aged children, preparing them for the crucial transition to school.
By fostering interactions between these two age groups, the trial seeks to create a sustainable and translatable approach that can be implemented in communities across Australia and beyond.
While we are obviously yet to know the outcomes of the research, the trial itself aims to:
Reduce Frailty in Older Adults
Frailty is a common condition among older adults, characterized by increased vulnerability and a higher risk of adverse health outcomes. By participating in the INTEGRITY trial, older adults can benefit from improved physical health, enhanced cognitive function, and increased social engagement, all of which contribute to reducing frailty.
Enhance Quality of Life
The program aims to improve the overall quality of life for older adults by providing them with opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and cognitive stimulation. These activities help maintain independence and promote a sense of purpose and well-being.
Support Child Development
For preschool-aged children, the INTEGRITY trial offers a unique opportunity to develop essential skills in a supportive and engaging environment. The interactions with older adults help children enhance their social, emotional, and cognitive abilities, preparing them for a successful transition to school.
Build Stronger Communities
The intergenerational nature of the program fosters stronger connections within the community, bridging the gap between different age groups. This sense of community cohesion can lead to a more supportive and inclusive environment for all members.
Sustainable and Translatable Approach
A key strength of the trial is its sustainability and potential for widespread implementation. The community-embedded and co-designed approach ensures that the program can be adapted to various settings, making it a viable solution for communities worldwide.
Benefits aside, each week of the program provides joy, connection, purpose and friendship to the children and adults – and staff! – involved.
The enthusiastic contributions, stories shared and care between the children and their ‘Grandfriends’ has been a delight to observe.
We hope you enjoy these images from the trial so far this term, which we’re sure will warm your hearts as much as they have ours!
