Aged care homes foster friendships between generations
It’s a common misconception that aged care residents are disconnected from the outside world – but one Queensland aged care home is proving the opposite.
At Immanuel Gardens Aged Care in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, a gardening program is growing much more than flowers. It's growing meaningful friendships between school students and aged care residents, aged nine to 97.
Run by Lutheran Services in partnership with Immanuel Lutheran College, the Growing Together: A Garden for Generations initiative sees students and residents meet weekly to tend a shared garden and build real connections.
“We launched the program two years ago to foster intergenerational interactions and build a bridge between our aged care residents and the school community,” said Bhrett Baker, Creative Lifestyle Co-Ordinator at Immanuel Gardens.
“The students have helped residents create no-dig garden beds, plant seasonal vegetables and flowers – and along the way, they’ve formed friendships that are deeply valued.”
Chloris shares a smile with Yulia during the tea break.
These weekly visits are now a highlight for many of the residents, who look forward to both the gardening and the conversations.
The impact has been so positive that the program has caught the attention of researchers. It’s now part of GrandSchools, a national study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and other universities, examining how shared learning environments can connect different generations.
Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the study could shape how future communities are designed – with spaces that bring older and younger Australians together.
Mar and Flynn share a laugh over tea.
For the students, the benefits are just as powerful.
“Each week I visit Immanuel Gardens, and the experience reminds me that friendship isn’t limited by age,” said 15-year-old Pippa, who’s been involved since the beginning.
“All the residents have their own unique, beautiful, and cheeky personalities that fill the room with laughter and joy.”
Emily Boyd, Sustainability Officer at Immanuel Lutheran College, said the students are learning far more than just how to garden.
“At the heart of this program is something really simple: care for the earth, and care for each other,” she said.
“When students and residents garden side by side, they’re not just planting seeds – they’re planting connection, trust and hope.”
