Children and seniors build lasting bonds
Since August, a group of preschool children from Hálsaskógur has visited seniors at Seljahlíð weekly to strengthen intergenerational connections. Although the two groups were virtual strangers when the project began, they formed close bonds in just a few months, making a positive difference for both the children and the older adults.
Shuffleboard and ball games top the list of favorites
This past June, the children visited Seljahlíð and planted summer flowers with the residents, showing just one of the many ways the two groups spend time together. When the children and residents gather, they prioritize fun and lightheartedness over a fixed agenda. The children especially enjoy movement-based activities like tossing balls and playing shuffleboard, and the seniors eagerly join in. These sessions bring joy and improve coordination and physical activity for everyone involved.
Building vocabulary through visits
Singing familiar songs together is also a favorite, including "Fljúga hvítu fiðrildin" and "Afi minn og amma mín." The children also get to share what they have been learning at preschool. The project's impact extends far beyond the visits themselves. Seniors find this time together to be an energizing and welcome part of daily life, especially those who do not have children or grandchildren living nearby. For the children, participating offers real learning opportunities: they practice language skills, build vocabulary, and develop fine motor skills. They also learn to show empathy and respect when interacting with older adults.
Not every child has grandparents nearby
This project also reflects the community's diversity, since many children from immigrant backgrounds do not have grandparents living close by. Through their participation, these children get to connect with older adults and form bonds that might otherwise never develop.
Visits strengthen children's social skills
By organizing regular preschool visits to seniors, the project aims to build stronger intergenerational connections. Each visit lasts 30-40 minutes, and consistent participation by the same group is key to ensuring that genuine relationships can form and grow.
Aligned with Reykjavík's Education Policy 2025-2027, the project supports more varied teaching approaches, increased physical activity for children, and the development of social skills. Creating space for informal interaction encourages children to read social situations, show care for others, and engage with a living community.