Bringing The Generations Together
The benefits of music
Recent research has highlighted the benefits of music for early years of cognitive development. In the same way, music-making can stimulate brain activity in older people creating a more mentally alert state.
And whatever your age, moving to the beat has many benefits for improved coordination, balance, spatial awareness and physical fitness.
With Boogie Mites catchy beats and simple props, the older and younger generations can share music together, bringing further positive outcomes for community cohesion, wellbeing and cross-generation learning.
The sessions
The Boogie Mites Intergenerational Programme is based on our Minis Programme, which is designed for children aged between 2 and 3 years old.
As well as new Boogie Mites songs, the programme includes traditional nursery rhymes, updated using catchy uptempo rhythms, and these offer a familial entry point for the older generation who may struggle with their memory.
Simple props such as scarves, shakers and tapping sticks, help break the ice and increase engagement of both age groups.
Measuring the impact
In 2019 an evaluation measuring community cohesion and wellbeing was undertaken in two care homes, and a day centre in Portsmouth.
These settings care for older people and have been visited by children aged 10 months to 4 years, either from a nursery school setting or with parents on a weekly basis for Intergenerational music sessions.
Positive outcomes were recorded for community cohesion and for the confidence and social skills of all participants.
Testimonials
We've done three sessions now. I love spending the time together and listening to the good music. It's nice to see the children and so amusing to watch them happy and dancing.
It gets your blood-pumping! It gives me something to do during the day; otherwise you'd be sat in your flat.Â
I enjoy taking part in an activity that includes all generations. I am a trained carer and love to put/see a smile on the older generations faces!