Friendships across generations are helping young and old share culture and care and may be one solution to the isolation felt by many seniors from multicultural communities.
Older and younger people thrive when they spend time together. Across Victoria, intergenerational programs are showing the power of connection.
For seniors, these friendships ease loneliness and bring joy. For children and young people, they build respect and empathy for ageing. Together, they strengthen communities and create bonds that honour every generation.
At Bellarine Community Health (BCH), primary school students meet with older clients each month. They write letters, share stories, play games and make craft together.
Launched as a pilot in 2023, the program proved so successful it has now expanded, with an additional school joining the BCH Social Support Program.
Those involved report improved confidence, stronger social connection and increased wellbeing among seniors. Students have also discovered the joy of building friendships with older people in their community.
92-year-old Gladys, who lives alone in Drysdale treasures her friendship with her buddy Lucy.
“It’s wonderful the way the young children have integrated with us oldies. They just talk to you as though you’re one of them. When Lucy sees me her face lights up and we hug. We talk about holidays, her friends and sleepovers — whatever comes to mind.”
Lucy and Gladys
Intergenerational Friendships in Multicultural Communities
For multicultural seniors these friendships are vital. Many experience dual isolation: the combined impact of ageing and being part of a minority group. Language barriers, loss of familiar networks, racism and a lack of culturally relevant services can deepen that isolation.
ECCV’s research into intergenerational relations in newly arrived communities found that these connections can be both a strength and a point of pressure.
Seniors often worry about losing language and culture, while younger generations adapt quickly to Australian life. This can create misunderstandings in families already managing the challenges of settlement.
Intergenerational friendships offer a way forward. They create safe spaces where seniors can share stories, values and traditions, while younger people bring fresh ideas and energy. These relationships are not one-way. Older people gain purpose, dignity and companionship. Younger people gain mentorship, cultural knowledge and a stronger sense of belonging.
Melbourne City Mission (MCM) are another organisation facilitating intergenerational friendships in Victoria. Their Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme links volunteers with older people who may otherwise be isolated, many from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Volunteers are often matched based on shared culture or language, helping to create bonds that feel like family.
At Belvedere Aged Care, family and community are at the heart of daily life. Staff believe every generation has something valuable to share, and their role is to help those connections grow. The wisdom of elders and the creativity of young people have created positive, meaningful moments that highlight the success of their intergenerational approach.
Belvedere’s community-focused values have led to strong partnerships with local primary and secondary schools.
The program includes cooking sessions, cultural storytelling, music activities and garden projects. Residents engage with students, families and community volunteers in ways that reduce social isolation and promote joy, purpose and wellbeing.
The program is guided by Lifestyle Manager Karin Blavo:
“Social isolation is a key concern among older Australians, and my role is to ensure our community engagement activities create positive connections. Our regular activities with Noble Park Secondary College are so rewarding. These interactions support improved mood, memory and cognitive health for our residents”.
For multicultural seniors, these programs create opportunities to share heritage, language and traditions with younger Australians. These moments affirm identity, preserve cultural stories and strengthen the fabric of multicultural Melbourne.
For more information or to get involved, visit:
This article was published in the
Summer 2025-26 edition of Golden Years.