Youngsters bridging the generation gap

The chance for young and old to converse and share experiences is precious.

The six-month program is a winner on so many levels.

The care of older members of our community has become a professional pursuit and – for many families – that is the best outcome.

While many older people wish to remain independent and manage well for a long time, there comes a time, for many, when their needs outstrip their energy and health.

The care required also outstrips the energy and health of their loved ones, who may be bringing up children of their own, paying a mortgage, working full-time etc.

Well-staffed, well-equipped and well-managed facilities can make all the difference for older people and their concerned relatives, particularly when their needs are made higher by degenerative disorders such as dementia.

An aged care facility can be a home, with loving staff and skilled care, but it is not often a place where the sounds of young people are regularly heard.

Individual residents receive visits from younger family members, but some residents receive no visitors at all – as sensitive staff members are acutely aware of.

So, a program to bring those young voices in, whether to sing or chat, is a boon.

It builds muscles of all kinds in young people – compassion, empathy and the discovery of common ground – at an age where such lessons can really take hold.

Older people are not necessarily wiser than they were when they were younger – it does not always come as an automatic consequence of a ticking clock – but some have much to share.

Congratulations to all involved.

Still on the topic of aged care, last week’s decision to cut Sunday penalty rates has raised fears in the sector.

The Fair Work Commission decision applies only to the hospitality, fast food, retail and pharmacy sectors, but aged care assistants are concerned.

For many, their wages are only acceptable due to weekend penalty rates.

The Eurobodalla has roughly double the number of people aged over 65 years than the national average.

An exodus from this industry due to any future wage cut would be a disaster.