Old People's Home for Teenagers: Making connections in your community

As a 23-year-old, Jayden Evans has seen some of his peers be dismissive of older Australians.

But after developing a friendship with 89-year-old Neville Lorensen in their hometown of Gympie, Queensland, Jayden says young people are missing out by not making similar connections. 

Throughout history, Jayden says, those from older generations have shared their wisdom and "oral tales onto forthcoming generations".

"That is not so trendy in modern society, but there is a value in it, because we can become so immersed in our own life and the future, we can forget what it was like in the past," Jayden says. 

'It's helped keep me young'

Some of you might remember Jayden from ABC series Love on the Spectrum.

Jayden met Neville through the Community Visitors Scheme in 2019, where he volunteers his time providing companionship to older people.

"I was doing a lot of work with youth and I was beginning to work with adolescents," Jayden says.

"It was on my mind to spend some time with a person who is older, to add to that variety of experience.

"I wanted to meet new people and develop myself socially."

When he first met Neville, Jayden says he would spend most of the time listening to the Gympie resident recount stories from his life, including running businesses and enjoying cruising holidays.

But the relationship has helped Jayden to develop those social skills he was keen to master.

"I have been content to listen, but I have developed the ability to tell my own stories to him, and take my own moment of prominence in his presence," Jayden says.

Neville, who was born in Gympie and ran a menswear store for 36 years, while also performing in a band with his late brother for many years, says he often sought the guidance of older people throughout life.

He likes to think he does the same for Jayden.

"Maybe he gets something out of the relationship [too] — he keeps coming back to see me," Neville says.

Neville says his friendship with Jayden helps him stay connected.

"I consider it my town. Jayden tells me what's happening outside — what businesses are doing on Mary Street.

"They all had a hard time here during the floods.

Want to make a connection?

If you're feeling inspired to make a connection of your own, there are intergenerational programs located across Australia.

A handy map from the Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice can help you find one local to you.

We've also listed some here.

Community Visitor Scheme (CVS)

CVS is a national initiative which coordinates volunteer community visitors (18+) from all backgrounds to visit older people at risk of social isolation, and provide them with friendship and companionship.

Volunteers can participate in one-on-one or group visits to government-subsidised residential aged care homes, or one-on-one visits to people receiving Home Care Packages.

Young Mentors

Young Mentors is an intergenerational digital learning program where secondary school students support older Australians to improve their digital skills and knowledge in a mentoring capacity.

Through these one-on-one sessions, young people get the opportunity to develop valuable teaching, communication, and leadership skills while older Australians are provided with a safe environment to build their confidence, learn essential digital skills and engage with new technology.

The Young Mentors program is facilitated through schools, libraries, councils, aged residential care facilities and other community groups.

Ed Connect Australia

Ed Connect Australia is a national school-based intergenerational charity that pairs volunteers (18+) with disadvantaged or young people at risk in primary and secondary schools to assist with learning support and any emotional issues they may have.

Through long-term mentoring, volunteers are able to work with students during school hours and on school grounds to work on building supportive relationships and life skills.

Intergenerational Playgroups

Intergenerational Playgroup programs support parents and caregivers with children under five to connect with community services, bringing young and young at heart together to build relationships and connect through play.

It's generally a weekly activity in aged care or retirement living facilities.

Intergenerational Learning Australia

Intergenerational Learning Australia connects children from early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools and undergraduates anywhere in Australia to elders in residential aged care, retirement villages or their own home.

Interactions are based on school subjects or cultural events. They occur via video conferencing or with both age groups at the same location. All coordination between the elders, aged care organisations and schools is provided by Intergenerational Learning Australia.

Neighbourhood Connect

Neighbourhood Connect is a national charity and not-for-profit community organisation, helping people connect with others who live near them.

They facilitate workshops to provide people with the confidence and skills to start neighbourhood groups and host events.

You can watch Old People's Home For Teenagers on ABC iview.