A NEW kind of mums and bubs group that offers the oldest and youngest residents the opportunity to come together fortnightly for a play and catch up, has been launched at the Elara community in Marsden Park.
The number of participating parents continues to grow significantly, both with Elara residents and the broader community more generally, and the playgroup now sees upwards of 70 participants including children at each session, according to Elara development company, Stockland.
Calum Ross, Regional Development Manager for NSW & ACT, Stockland, said there were many proven benefits to bringing young people and seniors together.
"Socialisation of this kind has a positive impact on not only general wellbeing, including one's mental and physical health, but also helps to break down feelings of isolation and depression," he said.
"That's really what we're all about at Stockland. We want to create highly liveable and connected communities that offer our residents the option to be as social and active as they choose."
Amanda Schultz, playgroup organiser and resident at Stockland's Elara, said she was thrilled when she found out the over-55s at Stockland's Aspire at Elara would be joining their mums and bubs group.
"It just makes sense to have them join - we all live in the same community," said Ms Schultz.
"I think it really benefits everyone involved to have such a range of age in participants. I know for my kids, I love that my eldest is able to chat with older residents who may have interesting life stories or new insights on the world.
"For the retirees, it's a chance to socialise with some children and babies which they might not often get a chance to do. I know one of the gentlemen mentioned that he and his wife don't have any grandkids yet, and another said their grandkids live far away, so I think coming to the playgroup kind of helps fill that void, even if it's just for a while."
