British care home welcomes pensioners, children | Focus on Europe

[@jennywarren]

The elderly people will actually talk to the kids and interact with them instead of sitting them by themselves to stare at a wall.

[@cynthialeech2507]

Or looking at their cell phones!

[@Steve.._.]

​@@cynthialeech2507oh no something for a person with no mobility to do. Shame on cellphones! 😂 Numb nuts

[@Amethyst454]

This is how we are meant to live. Together.

[@playwithsavage]

It’s insane that it’s taking this long for the so called developed world to figure out something the rest of the world have always done.

[@PriyaOltikar]

This is how we continue to live in India, but believe me it can be difficult.

[@mina_than_a_dam_snake]

yes

[@markmuller7962]

Ikr separating generations like we do is so unnatural

[@markmuller7962]

​@@playwithsavageWe've always done that too but forgot about it

[@athenstar10]

Children who live with their grandparents or get regular exposure with very old people grow up to be more respectful, wise and sensitive towards others.

[@debbieforareason364]

Very true!

[@priscillajimenez27]

My grandparents on my mom's side are only 37-40 years older than me. Took me a long time to realize how old they really are 😅

[@athenstar10]

@@priscillajimenez27 🤣 Interesting. As for me, I just have a typical age gap, but my great grandma had a lot of stories to tell. I was just too young to understand when she was alive.

[@ask_why000]

"Grandfriends" 😢😊 What a wonderful idea!

[@celiashen5490]

With a cute name like that, I hope it grows up to be a good part of society.

[@wwechampion]

Grandfriends... 🤔 I've never heard of that term until now. I think you've just coined a new word haha

[@jonerasmus9399]

Super idea . Glad to see elderly not so isolated or suffering alone in silence

[@Tenebris8444]

This unironically will help the younger generation. A complete community effort

[@Gambit771]

Unironically?

[@Tenebris8444]

@@Gambit771 no elab

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

I have been an advocate for this for years,,,,, the benefits to both generations is completely invaluable. So I’m sending love ❤❤❤❤❤✌✌✌✌✌🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@knock-knockwhosthere9933]

Yeah...they stole my idea from a decade ago when i was an adolescent 😂😂😂. I even dreamt about setting up a bakery run by autistic community under the same umbrella.

[@kendalson7100]

Wonderful!!! Children can learn so much from older adults. I wish my dad could have had something like this before he died.

[@Gypsum179]

This needs to be the standard honestly. What a great idea.

[@dannyarcher6370]

OMG. An actually genius care programme.

[@CP-28]

Yes was also thinking along that line (this looks well implemented, win-win: Kids keep old folks busy/stimulated/"happening", old folks patient and have time to listen to kids(' needs)... like tell grandmother stories 😅) 👍😄😊 Old folks get to hear laughter and renewed purpose.

[@geinikan1kan]

Indeed. Care as community.

[@doloresochoa1366]

Yes, I agree 😄. We need that here ☺️.

[@HabibaFromNorway]

If only their children visited them more often with their grandchildren they wouldn't be needing other peoples grandchildren. And if the children got to spend more time with their grandparents, the children wouldn't be needing other childrens grandparents. It is in our nature, the need of our own new and old generations spending time together. This is actually Sad in a way. How the world has become.

[@Monxtv]

I have been thinking about this idea for a while! So great to see that someone is doing it. Though one of my concerns when thinking about it was that the kids should be monitored or taught about being inappropriately touched, just cause you never know? You want everyone to be safe. Maybe that’s just a concern for Mexico haha but yeah I love the idea!!

[@temi-twistedzones]

Finally people are understanding we dont throw away the elders. Fantastic Amazing 👏

[@gonzagabwogi1551]

Indeed ❤

[@cynthiaoconnor7185]

Me, my daughter and, eventually, my granddaughter all lived with my father for a while after my mom died. Four generations under one roof. It's a time I love to remember. Especially my father holding his great granddaughter and smiling because he said she had my mom's eyes.

[@kariay50]

😌❤️

[@senthamizhselvan8553]

Such a sweet and thoughtful decision 😊

[@farahriasat727]

So satisfying to see all this.When in the morning,my 90 plus father in law sees my grandson,there is unfathomable happiness on his face.

[@MusehanaH]

❤️

[@ritaburton9640]

I have been saying this for years in the USA. It’s a brilliant idea. Elderly people need to feel needed and children need to learn from the wisdom of the willing elders ❤. Definitely more educational and personal. Ethics, morals, ingenuity so many good qualities combined 👏👏

[@bbpersonalpage1613]

Problem is in the U.S too many children with behavior issues and might put their hands on the elderly or throw their stuff at them .

[@ritaburton9640]

@@bbpersonalpage1613 they start with kindergarten. I totally agree there’s caution to be had with older children!

[@lucamarchina8671]

This is basically what Italian graparents and grandchildren experience everyday in Italy... Nowaday grandparents are the welfare of Italian family...while parents are at work the children learn most stuff from school and them. This is a help create bond between generations and pass old knowledge to young.

[@lores996]

Unless you have no grandparents alive or nearby, in that case you'll have to pay €€€€€€ for kindergartens and babysitters cause there is no Welfare State in Italy for those without a family and that's a shame. Welfare state should be available for everyone, should be based on the single person without assuming that he/she can be supported by the family....

[@lucamarchina8671]

@@lores996 I agree but I wanted to pride our nation for once 🥲 My parents who are fromWest Africa had face a lot of thi issue. But back in time people were moro caring about eachother. and I enjoyed hang out with my classmate granparents and I learn a lot. The lack of family welfare and low income is what concerns me most I have lot of Italian friend abroad with kids and they complain a lot about the policy of all italian government in the last 20 years

[@LindaC616]

​@@lucamarchina8671it's the same way in Latin America. The concept of "Bbaysitter" never existed before, as family always lived together and helped each other.

[@fatimateresa19]

Same in Spain 🇪🇸 . I think British people are more individualistic by what I have seen. Family here are not as close.

[@lucamarchina8671]

@@fatimateresa19 Maybe it's related to wealth 🤑 back in the day not all could afford to change city for work or move just for the pleasure of living where you want. You stay where your family is or you have a house. Nowaday is more easy . I don't know it's just a idea

[@soleil777soleil]

Oh, such a beautiful story. The kids give life, joy, and a new beginning for the elderly.❤

[@ВидаВарганова]

Excellent idea! Good to hear the results 2-3 years after

[@aclp003]

Love it! What a brilliant idea to have the retired folks and preschoolers spending their days together! We need this in Singapore too

[@karenrich9092]

This is what I call "my special medicine." The grandfriends can teach each other SO much and it doesn't really cost anything. Thank you for making this possible for everyone involved.

[@Gooeybrowniebaby]

This is so wholesome.

[@Smarty2able]

I like that it makes the elderly feel useful showing kids new skills. Both of tnem benefit from this.

[@AnnaBelleEevee]

This is beautiful. Those kids will grow up with a great respect for their elders. And the older residents have more light in their lives from the children. I hope something like this comes to America

[@gemmag.2988]

Absolutely wonderful. I hope there will be many more centres like this one. Well done!

[@theshepherdsinn]

Nothing so uplifting as being around little children!!! A wonderful blend! A treat for the young and old alike!

[@curiouspenguin6887]

Well, they say being around young people keeps you young.😊

[@iliTheFallen]

this is the best combination. Perfect idea!

[@romybrater1353]

This is awesome. The kids have tons of grandpa's & grandma's to enjoy and the elderly people will benefit having children around and not being alone, feeling themselves more useful for looking after the young ones.. It is a great idea! Hopefully, the idea / model will spread 😊

[@KCH55]

I remember as a child I went to a nursing home to visit my great-grandma those older people were we're so excited to see me. It almost frightened me as a child. Exciting! They never get to see kids so makes them happy. 😊 So I love that they're setting up programs to help kids and older generation bridge the gap.

[@mariaguerra855]

I love this! I worked in a nursing home when I was a teenager and saw how the residents got so excited when they saw little ones. I think Halloween was their favorite day. I always dreamed that if I ever had enough money, I would open a center and have them together. I am happy to see my dream come true even if I didn't make it come alive.

[@Happyheretic2308]

And animals too - great for young and old alike.

[@peanutbutter5237]

you sound like a very kind person my dear

[@loomonda18]

This is brilliant and should be implemented in every nursing care home. I know my grandpa would have loved to be around young children❤

[@sunmarsh]

*children screaming in the background* Old dude: “It’s calm.” K.

[@proudhuman166]

For someone rock music sounds blissful and for some kids playing and enjoying sounds blissful but to be honest sometimes it's irritable but what do these old people have , they just needed someone to enjoy with

[@sharpaycutie2]

Mabey cuz they understand kids make noise sometimes and that’s okay 👍 They’re kids after all. ❤

[@laureldove8507]

That's the way our great-great-great grandrelatives used to live - three generations together, instilling mutual love, understanding, compassion, passing on traditions, the feeling of belonging. Thank you so much for your amazing example! Hope it to be viral not only on youtube but, more importantly, in our daily life. Back to normal natural way of bringing up kids and meeting our elderly years! ❤❤❤

[@kathleenwood7713]

This is a great idea they both benefit, the kids get an experience of being with elders and the elders get to interact with youngsters and get out in society.

[@mercoledi_falco]

Actually it's very natural and beautiful style for our human, i think. Well this mutually beneficial relationship will become the basis of a rich mind, and be conductive to an enriched society. Hope for this nice one is spread :)

[@lauramacdonald923]

Absolutely love this. Takes a community to bring up a child. Lots of kids don't have those generations in their families around them. Its fab for both sides and keeps the elderly active too. 🥰

[@tengotnco5942]

This is So inspiring the kids need parental relationships and the seniors need to be young again ❤

[@nancybusso6171]

Absolutely perfect!! I am 73 and rarely see my grandchildren. I would love that place! ❤

[@AngelaPanArt]

Love it, made me tear up, just people being lovely to people..

[@piccalillipit9211]

*IVE BEEN ADVOCATING THIS FOR SO LONG* it made me cry to see it...

[@kateysandon]

There needs to be more programs like this.

[@hunnybunny4u259]

I love this…pass it on💙💙

[@sjanex]

There was a tv show on channel 4 similar to this but I forgot what it was called. I think 5 year olds would spend time with the residents in a retirement home

[@tiffany7269]

🥰 Please have more of this!

[@ef1404-GH]

I hope they run a background check on the elderly individuals to prevent any potential disasters.

[@emilydavison2053]

You can see other working age adults. They will have been checked.

[@sylviekins]

It is a good opportunity to teach children about safety as well- to be able to speak up and be heard

[@2011zeldafan]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who was thinking about this. For the children’s sake I really hope they do. It seems like a nice idea, kids interacting with old people but the reality is that there might be s*x offenders among them. For the kids safety they better do background checks and keep a very close eye on them.

[@ef1404-GH]

@@2011zeldafan exactly my point ! i agree 1000%

[@k.h.8119]

I'm sure they have a list of criterea, e.g. you can't have people with alcohol dementia who are still addicted near children.

[@joseenoel8093]

How wonderful, I'm sure mom misses being with kids, she's almost 86 in a nursing home with dementia, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, vitality brings vitality, kids wake the dead! Love from Montreal!

[@nancyrubano-nord5265]

This is an awesome idea. It's going back to the old days. When grandparents lived with their children. They weren't turned out to rot in nursing homes.

[@lhproductions61]

This should be implemented in every country. My grandfather has dementia and watching him slip is so sad. I just moved upstairs from him and he gets so excited to see people but 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Wonderwoman79G]

My Dad had Dementia. It is great that you are being a supportive daughter.

[@paussa07]

That used to be called a family! Many years ago couples would have lots of kids and also take care of their elderly at home. They would help and make company to each other as well as the neighbours around. Then, the modern life pushed families way, kids from broken families went to daycare, the elderly went to elderly homes or communities, everyone was apart and miserable. I’m happy someone just found put what our civilization has known for a long time: sharing your life with others is what is worth living for.

[@Gambit771]

This was never called a family. They aren't related. It is called a community.

[@maxhugen]

Great idea IMO. 😎🇦🇺

[@CatsDogs-jf4fy]

I just love this!!! This is an amazing programme! Not all children have their grandparents close, and not all grandparents their grandkids. I would love to work here!!!

[@talus007]

Can someone please explain to me why childcare services and pet care services are not at senior living communities??

[@Vivienwestphal]

I work at a care facility for elderly people. Sadly, most of them suffer from dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases. The amount of care and attention they require far exceeds the needs of elderly presented in this video. I cannot imagine having small children under foot when a dementia patient gets angry and confused. Both the children and the elderly person would be put in danger in such a situation. Sadly, it seems like numbers of elderly with cognitive issues are on the rise. People over 80 yo who are still themselves are absolute gems. Both in terms of how precious but also how rare they are 💔 Not to mention that for many elderly with health issues, they really need peace and quiet. Visits from kindergarten or animals are much appreciated, but in many cases, best to be short and sweet. I also imagine that child safety is also of utmost importance when introducing adults or animals to the mix. I imagine possibilities for lawsuits are endless os anything should go wrong.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@@Vivienwestphal Well said! Not to mention, spoilt, unruly children .. I notice that the children had a younger adult nearby. (Also, the little dears are germ factories)

[@kendalson7100]

Expense. It's cheaper to just shove old people in a room and have a nurse stop by once an hour. A care home that isn't awful is the exception not the rule. In the US we treat the elderly and sick terribly.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@@kendalson7100 Skilled nursing care (Nursing home care) averages about $6K month. That can blow through most people's savings and pensions very quickly.

[@sjanex]

@@here_we_go_again2571 Loving your positivity 🙃

[@Kimmy234L]

As long as the children are supervised when amongst these Adults, then it's a wonderful thing. 🦋

[@shizukagozen777]

Too many SODEP* (read backwards) in those retirement homes. I wouldn't let my child go there.

[@Kimmy234L]

@@shizukagozen777 they are everywhere, and it 'might be' a very easy way to 'market' this behavior.

[@shizukagozen777]

@@Kimmy234L They indeed are everywhere but these older generations grew up in a time where crimes were easier to commit because most of the time they weren't even solved because DNA tests weren't used yet and there was not all the technology that we have today. Old generations are also very entitled to their opinion: for example many old men don't hesitate to touch the female nurses, waiters, etc, because they grew up in a time where it was almost a normal thing to do so they "don't see" how this kind of behavior is problematic, same thing about the rest unfortunately.

[@Kimmy234L]

@@shizukagozen777 totally agree 💯

[@shizukagozen777]

@@Kimmy234L 🤝

[@mekabare]

That is such a wonderful idea, i wonder of something like this is possible in Germany, where both elderly care and kindergarten care is sorely lacking atm

[@piccalillipit9211]

*FINALLY - IVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR 10 YEARS...!!!* I moved to Bulgaria 15 years ago and this is the norm here, no one pays for childcare, the old people look after the kids. Old people are the BEST people to look after children - and the kids keep the old people active and happy. THANK GOD WE HAVE WOKEN UP IN THE WEST.

[@susanpera2131]

This is brilliant! It enriches the lives of everyone.

[@foxylovelace2679]

I think its a brilliant idea

[@PatHand-og9yd]

Liz Ludden talked about joy and love. Incredible!

[@CrazyEightyEights]

Each group mutually benefits the others. I have previously read about experiments in other countries where college students are domiciled with elderly residents with great success.

[@MysticLadyFae]

There’s a place like this close to my home. Half of it is seniors and half is a daycare; the two come together several times a day; the kids play and talk with the elders and sing songs together. It’s wonderful.

[@blanket55]

Needed each other. How wonderful.

[@cassie1dueces]

The beginning and the end of life meet ❤ beautiful

[@tanckstadlesconnor6912]

I absolutely LOVE this!!!...the "little ones" are learning so much from the "Big ones" and in return they get to enjoy the beauty of innocence....A wonderful idea brought to reality by these amazing people...sending love and best wishes from Nottingham, England...xxx

[@ConReese]

While i have absolutely no doubt that the benefits for both groups are fantastic the fact that were putting the two most vulnerable groups of people together certainly raises the impact of any potential future issues whatever they may be

[@sollunaystars]

I LOVE this!!! We need more Granfriends programs ❤️

[@ruthcelephais4612]

Being raised by your grandparents is awesome 😊you get so much love and care from them!

[@manpreetbrar838]

Lets hope the residents are vetted, and safe to be around children.

[@victoriap1561]

how do you vet them though? most sex predators are never caught

[@jq8974]

🙌🏽 I am delighted to find this video. I have long-held that this could work and I’ve never seen anyone do it. Bravo!

[@adamryan977]

They made a study about this in Germany and made it into a tv documentary , too. They showed that the old people had great health benefit from this, getting motivated to move more. At the end they were more stable and could walk longer distances without a cane or rollator. Furthermore they got to interact more socialy and their psychological health improved greatly, too. The children on the other hand learned to be more social and considerate of others. Arguments between each other diminished. Sadly it was only a experiment for half a year. But most old people stayed in contact with the children families and became like adopted grandparents.

[@LifeasaGift]

This is the best thing I've seen in the world for ages.

[@lyricneeder]

Absolutely magnificent programme!!! Please, please bring this world-wide ASAP, no more isolation!!

[@MM-d289]

That is awesome. Every community needs something like this.

[@Trund27]

This is beautiful. I wish this was the norm everywhere.

[@sylviekins]

This is fantastic! Where my dad was, children would come from the local school. They would play board games like snakes and ladders- dad used to laugh at how they would cheat😂😂😂😂 so much fun!

[@nicolaholland1]

I can't believe UK is actually trying something new and revolutionary.

[@TheConspiredOne]

They are more careful than america thats for true.

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

Im from a very large extended family and we have wonderful relationships across the generations, and love each other and see each other as best we can as we live sometimes long distances apart, and keep in touch using online tools, from the little ones to our Aunties and Uncles in their 90s. Not everyone would enjoy this set up, but so, so many people will and benefit from those relationships. Its fabulous!

[@debbiecreter2005]

This news piece was exceptionally reported and produced! I love it! Thank you! Having intergenerational relationships enriches everyone’s lives! I’m so happy that this wonderful idea became a reality and to see the heartwarming benefits from this!

[@josefinecarlsgart]

I grew up with my grandparents in the same building. ❤

[@acaciaeugenia4386]

It's a great idea if you select the elderly well. No children need contact with old ped@p or prejudice, after all, bad people also get old. Both generations gain a lot from this interaction =).

[@the-scorpio]

I LOVE ❤️ THIS IDEA! I hope one day we can have the same here’s in USA!

[@D11r41k]

Growing up, I was spending summers with my 4 grandparents (their summer houses were close to each other) and it was amazing!!

[@cartomancycarmen]

How adorable! Grand friends ❣️

[@mei6044]

So cute! So sweet! Wonderful!

[@ceciliakilgour5744]

I could live like that. It would lighten my heart daily. Lucky folks and children. Enjoy your time.

[@nrodry76]

This is wonderful! Also old people has the most interesting stories to share. I remember staying very still and attentive when my grandmother told me stories from her childhood.

[@UntappedShesources]

This is one of the best things I have seen in soooo long

[@PawneeGoddess243]

I love Grandpa Ian. His energy is so infectious. ❤

[@newuknbfun8415]

In India even till last 10 years it was pretty common to live in joint households with your Dada Dadi(elders( as we blindly follow western culture from which we can learn a lot ..We lost the beautiful family setup to just individual greed....Bring Back the 90s

[@here_we_go_again2571]

This used to be the norm in USA when most industries were scattered about the country in small cities and towns. If you went to these now-nearly empty small towns in the countryside; you would see that there are large houses where multiple generations lived together. (These are now broken up into apartments) Nowadays young people have to relocate to big cities to find a decent-paying job. In big cities the cost of living is too high for an extended family to be in one big apartment A little apartment next to a bigger one is unusual because most apartment buildings are constructed with uniform units on each floor.

[@Mikinaak2023]

Well, time never goes backwards.

[@ipadprogamer6763]

Never gonna shame those cultures where elderly live with their children and grandchildren, ever again.

[@chrissis.6140]

Amazing!! Such a lovely and great concept ❤

[@margi9103]

They did a TV program on this in Australia a few years ago. It was done as an experiment with the children and the elderly carefully picked and paired. They had planned activities which helped to get the elderly more active and the children getting encouraged to do tasks as well as the children encouraging their elderly partners to do tasks. The children and their families kept in touch and visited their partners after the experience was over. They did a follow up later and repeated the experiment using teenagers.

[@Chesh89]

This is brilliant. I saw a dorm for college students somewhere in the States that have the students live in a nursing home, very similar conditions and rules, along with elderly tenants. The results were overwhelmingly positive across the board. We need more of programs like this everywhere where younger generations can benefit from the wisdom and kindness of their elders, and where the elderly don't have to feel alone or discarded, they still have so much to offer and get lonely like anyone else. Please let's see more of this. This gives me so much hope for the future.

[@cirquegoddess]

Kids keep u young. They may wear down the body but they strengthen the heart❤

[@melodytenisch6232]

Lovely concept if you have normal, trustworthy adults. There's much to learn all around, very enriching to all who aren't introverts. 😊❤👍

[@HabibaFromNorway]

If only their children visited them more often with their grandchildren they wouldn't be needing other peoples grandchildren. And if the children got to spend more time with their grandparents, the children wouldn't be needing other childrens grandparents. It is in our nature, the need of our own new and old generations spending time together. This is actually Sad in a way. How the world has become.

[@rosaruiz443]

Wow 👏 what a very nice IDEA 💖 will be very helpful to both young and the elderly

[@gypsy5445]

This is a beautiful place! What an idea! ❤

[@shembu5965]

This is so cool, glad the community is encouraging this.

[@enso3555]

Excellent idea, it should be standardized globally ❤

[@angelwings7930]

It’s fantastic that very small kids do activities with older people. Small kids are often underestimated and older people have so much to give.