Did you know that when children and seniors learn together, everyone benefits?
Intergenerational learning—where different age groups interact through shared activities—is gaining global traction for its ability to enrich lives, boost cognitive skills, and strengthen community ties. In Singapore, St. Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre (SJHICC) stands out as a pioneer by co-locating an infant and childcare centre with a nursing home.
Here, children and seniors naturally bond through storytelling, art, play, and even gardening—offering a living example of how intergenerational programmes can transform learning and development for all.
“We drew inspiration from our Canossian founders in Italy, who have served children and the elderly for centuries through various ministries. Although many of their works are separate schools or care homes, the spirit of intergenerational solidarity is deeply embedded in their mission. We wanted to bring that same ethos under one roof here in Singapore, allowing children and seniors to learn from and support each other every day,” says Principal Imelda Anthony.
According to research by United Nations, Singapore is second only to Korea as the fastest ageing country in the world. In Singapore, the proportion of adults aged 65 years and above has increased from 10.4% of the population in 2011 to 17.6% in 2021 and is expected to increase to 23.8% in 2030, based on data by Singapore Department of Statistics.
These findings were pulled together for a paper on “Development and Implementation of an Intergenerational Bonding Program in a Co-located Model: A Case Study in Singapore” in 2022. It was a collaborative research paper by Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology, AWWA Ltd, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, St Joseph’s Home and La Trobe University.
Driven by Singapore’s national policy on nursing home infrastructure, the leadership at St Joseph’s Home saw an opportunity to address core resident needs while introducing an intergenerational program to “forge a new narrative in ageing with the community.” This bold vision led to the founding of St Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre in 2017.
Today, the center is a vibrant hub where infants, preschoolers, and seniors learn and grow together, supported by an active alumni network of parents and children. With a total enrollment of 30 children to date, it stands as a pioneering model of intergenerational learning in Singapore.
Below, we explore four evidence-based benefits, highlighting additional key studies that underscore why this unique approach creates lasting impact.
Photo by Rod Long for Unsplash
Boosting Social and Emotional Development
From the moment children learn to speak, they are absorbing social cues and building emotional intelligence. In intergenerational settings, seniors often serve as gentle mentors, offering patience, warmth, and a wealth of life experience. Children, in turn, benefit from the extra attention and empathy they receive.
- Research Insight: A review in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships found that regular interaction between children and older adults can enhance social skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence, while supporting seniors’ sense of purpose and reducing isolation.
- Why It Works at St. Joseph’s Home: Simple daily interactions—like greeting each other in the hallway or sharing mealtime conversations—allow for authentic bonds to form organically. This ongoing contact nurtures understanding, patience, and mutual respect across generations.
Enhancing Cognitive and Language Skills
Children’s brains develop rapidly, especially in their early years. Engaging with elders who share stories, cultural traditions, and practical knowledge can spark curiosity and language development. Seniors, for their part, gain cognitive stimulation by actively participating in teaching and recalling their experiences.
- Research Insight: According to Generations United, children in intergenerational programmes often show improved academic performance and language skills, thanks to the diverse interactions and real-life storytelling they receive.
- Why It Works at St. Joseph’s Home: Imagine seniors passing on their favourite childhood tales or singing traditional songs. These moments immerse children in rich language experiences, promoting vocabulary growth and fostering deeper cultural awareness.
Encouraging Active Engagement and Physical Well-Being
When kids and seniors engage in play-based or light movement activities, both groups experience significant health and wellness benefits. Children build gross motor skills and learn the value of gentle exercises, while seniors enjoy improved mobility, mental health, and a delightful break from daily routines.
- Research Insight: A review published in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships found that well-structured intergenerational programmes can help dismantle negative stereotypes about aging, foster mutual respect, and provide physical, cognitive, and social benefits for both older adults and children. Activities such as gardening or gentle stretching help strengthen bonds and promote overall well-being.
- Why It Works at St. Joseph’s Home: Staff can organise communal exercise sessions or nature walks. Children relish the chance to explore, while seniors appreciate the fresh air and company. The sense of achievement—like planting a seed together and watching it grow—helps everyone stay motivated and engaged.
Fostering a Stronger Sense of Community and Purpose
Singapore is experiencing an aging population and evolving family structures, making inclusive community models increasingly important. Intergenerational programmes promote a culture of respect, reduce feelings of isolation in seniors, and instil in children the importance of community support and volunteerism.
- Research Insight: The European Commission’s outlook on active ageing suggest that systematic intergenerational engagement “strengthens community ties, reduces social costs, and promotes civic engagement”.
- Why It Works at St. Joseph’s Home: Families who visit the home experience how children and seniors collaborate on art projects, celebrate cultural festivals, and share meaningful activities. These interactions remind everyone—parents, staff, and the broader neighbourhood—of the value of unity and shared learning.
If you’re seeking a nurturing environment that values both academic readiness and character formation, consider exploring St. Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre.
Here, children don’t just learn; they flourish—growing into empathetic, creative, and confident individuals ready for the next stage of their journey.
Book a tour with us and we’ll show you around!
Source: Jarrott, S. E. (2011). Where Do We Stand? Testing the Foundation of Intergenerational Program Evaluation: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 9(1), 39–55.)