TEENS AND THE ELDERLY

Teens and the Elderly: A match made in Heaven 

On Thursday 16th November, a group of fabulous Vocal and Production students took their talents on the road with a visit to the Mayflower Aged Care Home in Brighton. 

The students rehearsed and prepared musical items that the residents would enjoy – songs by Frank Sinatra, Martin Gaye and Dolly Parton (just to name a few!) A piano was awaiting us in the Mayflower’s Activity Hall, where our very own incredible pianista, Isabella Kryebel, blew us away with her exceptional skills, providing the backing music for many of the performances. 

We were lucky to have a confident and enthusiastic MC in our midst – Sienna Davis, who not only kept the show going but also led the BSC choir. 

Approximately 55 residents rolled up to enjoy the BSC performances – clapping, singing and even dancing to some of their favourite songs. The students were given some time before and after the performances to interact and chat with the residents.

Wonderful stories and life experiences were shared by the residents – one of which was told by a vibrant 99 year old lady who was a truck driver during the war! 

We shared in a lovely afternoon tea with the residents, organised by the Mayflower staff. BSC students handed out brownies and cups of tea to their new elderly friends before enjoying juice and brownies for themselves. 

We are so proud of the way our BSC students held themselves with respect, compassion and showed genuine interest in learning about the lives of some of the Mayflower residents. Congratulations to everyone who attended! Also a big thanks to the supporting staff - Tracey Campion, Meg Bernard, Tania Vairamuttu and Dan Ward (our driver!). 

If you haven’t already, check out “Old People’s Home for Teenagers’, a mini documentary found on ABC iView about the benefits of connection between adolescents and  the elderly – it’s worth the watch!