In the picturesque setting of Garrison, the timeless wisdom of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's famous lyrics, "Teach your children well…and feed them on your dreams," echoed through the air during a special intergenerational day organised by the Garrison Community Group. Bringing together two distinct age groups, the event aimed to foster connections between the young and the old while nurturing a shared sense of community.

Against the backdrop of Rusheen Park, nestled along the serene shores of Lough Melvin, members of the Garrison Community Group joined hands with twelve local preschool children for a meaningful endeavour—planting trees and sowing wildflower seeds. The joy and wonder radiating from the children's faces as they connected with the natural world were truly priceless, matched only by the smiles of the older generation, eager to impart their wisdom and experiences.

Chairperson Olivia McManus, brimming with energy and enthusiasm, shared how the group had been fostering intergenerational bonds since Christmas of the previous year. "Our weekly coffee morning group come together with our local Pre-School Little Smarties every so often to socialise, chat, make craft and have fun," she said. “But the joy these two age groups take from various evens is beautiful and many do not have that opposite generation in their lives for many reasons."

Supported by funding from Linking Generations Northern Ireland, the Garrison Community Group's initiatives aim to bridge the gap between generations and combat social isolation and loneliness. Reflecting on the success of past events, Ms McManus said the transformative impact of intergenerational activities. "We've been bitten by the intergenerational bug and just love hosting these events," she added.

Sue Doyle, an 86-year-old retired nurse, shared her heartfelt experience of connecting with the preschool children. "My husband died in 2021 and it was absolutely marvellous to get out and join this group.

“I started doing this two years ago and just to see their little eyes light up in wonder is a true blessing. And they are so intelligent and so clever."

She said she got to read fairy tales which was something she had never done before.

“I was a nurse and it is a great idea to get the two generations together. And they were looking after each other even at that young age.

“They ask so many questions and you have to get the right book too. If you get a story with a wolf and ask them what does a wolf do - does he howl? And they get great craic out of howling. Does the duck quack? They love making the sounds and they pick it all up so quickly. And it did my heart good to see the joy in their faces as they were planning the tree and the wild- flowers.

“It is like having my grandchildren with me all over again and it is a great past time too."

Elaine Brownlee of Linking Generations underscored the significance of intergenerational activities in promoting physical and mental well-being while addressing social isolation and loneliness. "These intergenerational activities are happening right across Northern Ireland during April to celebrate Global Intergenerational Week 2024 from April 24 to April 30.

“It is now in its fifth year and Linking Generations are joining fifteen countries who use the week to celebrate showcase the wonderful outcomes that flow from taking an intergenerational approach."

As Global Intergenerational Week 2024 unfolds, communities are embracing the spirit of intergenerational collaboration. With each interaction between the wisdom of the elderly and the enthusiasm of the youth, bonds are strengthened, and a brighter future is nurtured. One seed, one smile, at a time.