BBC - Students in a retirement-home in The Netherlands - Report by Anna Holligan (BBC)

Summary

The video explores an innovative intergenerational living arrangement in the Netherlands, where six students live alongside 150 elderly residents in a nursing home. This unique setup promotes mutual respect and benefits both generations, with students helping combat isolation among the elderly while gaining valuable life experience. The students provide companionship, assist with daily activities, and enhance the lives of their older neighbors. The program has proven successful, with international interest from countries like Japan, Australia, and Poland. Despite its success, the initiative faces the challenge of balancing the natural cycle of life as residents pass away regularly.

Takeaways

• 😀 The intergenerational living model involves 150 elderly residents and six students, where the students live in the nursing home alongside the elderly.
• 😀 The program encourages simple but meaningful actions, such as students helping with dinner preparation and engaging with elderly neighbors.
• 😀 The core rule is to be respectful and kind to the elderly residents, focusing on integrating the two generations through natural interactions.
• 😀 Students benefit from reduced living costs, as they don't pay rent, saving thousands of euros compared to typical student housing in the Netherlands.
• 😀 The students genuinely want to improve the lives of the elderly, offering companionship and helping with daily activities like cycling.
• 😀 The program is especially important due to cuts in government funding for elderly care, with students providing additional resources and energy.
• 😀 The integration of students in the elderly community helps bridge the generational gap and offers mutual benefits, fostering a sense of community.
• 😀 The program has attracted attention internationally, with teams from Japan, Australia, and Poland coming to explore its potential for their own aging populations.
• 😀 The living arrangement is proving successful locally, with a waiting list of people eager to participate in the program.
• 😀 While the program is currently small-scale, it could be replicated on a larger scale by increasing the number of students per corridor, maintaining the balance between students and elderly residents.

Q & A

What is the main concept behind the intergenerational living project?

The main concept is to have students live alongside elderly residents in a nursing home, fostering mutual respect and reciprocity. The students help care for the elderly while benefiting from the companionship and life lessons of the older generation.

How does the intergenerational living model benefit both students and elderly residents?

Students gain valuable experiences, such as learning respect for older people and building emotional connections. Elderly residents benefit from the youthful energy of the students and are less isolated, with students helping them maintain mobility and engage in activities.

Why is this model of intergenerational living important in the context of elderly care?

This model helps address the shortage of resources in elderly care by introducing students who provide energy and support, which can be more cost-effective than relying solely on older volunteers. It also combats loneliness and promotes emotional well-being among elderly residents.

What role do the students play in the daily life of the elderly residents?

The students prepare meals, offer companionship, assist with maintaining mobility (e.g., cycling), and help integrate the elderly into community life, providing emotional and practical support.

How does the intergenerational living project manage to balance the realities of aging with the vibrant energy of youth?

The model acknowledges the inevitability of aging and death, with students learning to navigate these realities while offering companionship to the elderly. This balance is achieved through respectful interactions, open communication, and fostering a sense of community.

What is the significance of the word 'cos ellic' in the context of this living arrangement?

'Cos ellic' is a Dutch term that refers to a warm, friendly, and cozy environment. The project is designed to create a sense of warmth and connection between the generations, emphasizing mutual care and support.

Can this intergenerational living model be scaled beyond the Netherlands?

Yes, the model has been observed by international teams from countries like Japan, Australia, and Poland. It has potential for application on a larger scale, with some adaptations such as increasing the number of students per corridor.

How do the students feel about the possibility of leaving the nursing home after their time there ends?

Many students express a sense of attachment to the elderly residents and feel conflicted about leaving. One student jokingly mentioned that they would be leaving behind 160 'grandparents,' highlighting the emotional bond developed during their stay.

What practical challenge does the project face with regard to elderly care funding?

Due to cuts in government funding for elderly care, there is less money to spend on individual care. The students provide an additional resource by offering companionship and energy, reducing the need for additional paid staff and alleviating some of the financial pressures.

What is the key to the success of this intergenerational living arrangement?

The key to success is ensuring that students and elderly residents interact in a natural and organic way, especially in shared spaces like corridors. The daily contact fosters relationships, creating a dynamic where both groups benefit.