INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING

AND ENGAGEMENT
PROPOSAL
Ways we can integrate the elderly into a better
community.

Curtin University Students

Jessica Bird
Lauren Yeoh
jessiebirdy@outlook.com
Lauren989767@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jes
sica-bird-889235209
https://www.linkedin.com/in/
lauren-y-113b08262/
Jasmine Nabila
Ntatou_jaz@hotmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in
/jasmine-tatou-591874262

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Scope Overview
Roles:
Project Sponsor:
The Government of Western Australia
Project Manager:
Town Planning and Urban Design of South Perth
Core Team Members:
Taylor Burrell Barnett and his team

DESCRIPTION:

“In-equality is in no one’s benefit.” – Joe Phelan, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific
Sector of the WBCSP (World Business Council For Sustainable Development)

Many countries across the globe, including Singapore, have implemented

intergenerational living to accommodate for a phenomenon known as ‘aging in
place’ and aid in the physical and mental health of the aging population. It is
important to provide a clear path with overall objectives and needs that create the
shortest possible path to our goal. This information is provided here in the Scope
Overview.

The City of Perth, and surrounding suburbs, have a rapidly aging population with
17% of the population identifying as elderly. As with Singapore, these retirement
communities are remaining local to their home country and town. This is known
as ‘aging in place’, something Western Australia have not catered to and is ready
for. Recent studies have shown that the elderly community in Australia are
becoming more depressed and isolated, it is evident by walking the streets of
Perth, or a quick google search will show the challenges the elderly are facing in
Perth, quite different from the Singapore aging population.

This project has many phases, as shown in the presentation, and addresses the
issue of intergenerational living, however it is not exhaustive and will focus
predominantly on the first phase of the project, the trial.
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The intent of this project is to not only help the elderly community, but to help
identify the opportunity to help the rising generations, mature the culture and
mindset of all citizens and residents, and provide ways for the government to save
and/or make money.
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Objective:
There are three important areas to focus on, these are our defining deliverables
that will allow us to achieve our goal. These tasks are:

1. Renovate and Re-Design an existing apartment complex so that it is

repeatable:
• Take design inspiration from existing intergenerational buildings and
complex’s in Singapore’s CBD
• Incorporate the following amenities:
• Follow disability health and safety guidelines
• Create a common, intergenerational area for programs and
mingling
• Ensure location is safe and has easy access to common
needs (e.g. hospitals, shopping centres, etc.)

2. Establishing a volunteer program to create a more enjoyable experience for the

elderly:
• Aims to help different generations for different needs (not only
benefits the elderly)
• Creates a rewards system for volunteers
• Offers educational experiences/field work

3. Create physical and mental health programs to monitor change in the

elderly and mindset of the volunteers:
• Initial testing of volunteers and elderly
• Half-way check in tests of volunteers and elderly
• Final test of volunteers and elderly
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Boundaries:
Inside Frame: What we want/are confined by
On Frame: What we can consider OR case by case needs
Outside Frame: What we don’t want

Regional areas

o Volunteer programs
Profit o Kindergarten programs
o Community engagement
o Community space
Pre-existing vs
o Elderly housing new building
o Cost choices
In-house o Who will volunteer
restaurant o Who will live there
o Who will organise? Future monetary gain
On-site medical o Panic Buttons
centre

Figure 1 – Boundaries

Other Considerations:
Other considerations in this include the utilisation of a pre-existing residential
complex in the Perth area with surrounding amenities. This means we can
establish a prototype that can validate the impact of creating and utilizing
intergenerational spaces and programs in pre-designed buildings. These
buildings already have the main needs that require some form of adaptation.
Future prototypes must be near amenities the residents need. This includes, but
is not limited to, medical centers, schools and shopping centers.
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Business Case
Purpose:
As stated in the Scope Overview, the purpose of this proposal is to facilitate a
designated, inclusive area for acknowledged programs that benefit the idea of
intergenerational communities. It should be designed for the use of the all
generations and walks of life in a suitable Perth suburb to use as an interactive
space based on different perspectives.

Whilst priority should be given to the physical space being developed, it’s
important to address our other aspect: our programs. The two programs will be
run in the communal space on the first floor of the apartment complex. One
program should focus on the inclusion of kindergarten, or primary school students
from neighboring schools visiting the apartment complex once or twice a week.
Similar studies relating to this idea will be presented later in this project proposal.
The other program relates to an hourly voluntary exchange system whereby
volunteers who donate at least an hour of their time to volunteering in the elderly
community may receive an hour of time that they can redeem themselves or pass
on to other loved ones. Again, similar case studies will be presented later in this
proposal.

The Australian Award winning television show “Elderly homes for 4 year old’s”,
available on Netflix, provides a clear example of how intergenerational spaces
improve the lives of the elderly people involved and the children alike. The show
focuses on a study conducted in Sydney, 2019, in which primary school children
were invited into the lives of retirement villagers once or twice a week for a school
term. After the 10 week trial, Prof. Ruth Peters of the NeuRA (Neuroscience
Research Australia) commented on the study, stating that the shows “Early
research indicates these programs could lead to better physical health and
cognition among adults over the age of 65, and better interpersonal skills among
the children under the age of 5.” Implementing a similar system in our trial run
proves benefit to understanding if this project is to go further than a trial.
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In essence, the overall purpose of the project is to:

• Improve the health and wellbeing of the elderly volunteers
• Improve the mental skills of the children involved
• Encourage and facilitate social change surrounding attitudes towards the
elderly
• Provide new and innovative ways of learning as a community
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Background
Current Situation:
The elderly, defined as those above 65, are an age group comprising a significant
portion of both Singapore and Perth’s populations (17.6% and 15.6%
respectively) (1) (2). Sustaining an older population requires healthcare and
elderly care, on both a local and national level. Elderly care, in particular, requires
a focus on mental illness (for example, 6% of Singaporean elders and 10-15% of
Australian elders are estimated to be depressed) (3) (4) has recently been on the
rise as a significant issue.

Singapore has traditionally had a deep-seated culture of respect for their elders;
with many continuing to live with their children as they age, or being frequented
with daily visits. This culture of caring and inclusivity has helped alleviate some
of the pressures brought along by isolation, which many elders experience. In
addition to these social attributes, Singapore works to physically integrate the
elderly into their communities by building complexes in which amenities (such as
grocery stores, kindergartens, etc.) are placed alongside housing accessible to
all ages. Such structure, as seen in Admiralty Place, helps to integrate the elderly
in a community in which they can find companionship and forge meaningful
connections, whilst being close to necessary facilities.

By comparison, Perth does not currently offer any intergenerational living. While
structures such as senior citizens centres offering daily activities, such as bingo
or yoga, exist, these structures require travel to and from, and additionally tend to
update their schedules on online platforms elderly find difficult to navigate
(Facebook). Furthermore, Perth’s vast expanse makes it difficult to travel to such
facilities if independent transport is not an option.
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Current Needs:
Efficient and innovative ways are needed to proactively create a community in
which the elderly are seamlessly integrated - and able to live independently and
interdependently. Taking inspiration from Singapore as well as Japan and the
Netherlands, we hope to address this issue whilst improving mental and physical
health.

Apart from a complex which promotes intergenerational activity, as seen in

Singapore, we should also focus on shifting perspectives towards the elderly
through numerous social programs. These programs have been designed in the
hopes of encouraging individuals to create unique experiences and memories
with the elderly, in turn, forging meaningful relationships to help integrate them
into the community.

As seen in Netflix’s show, “Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds”, creating social
connections between young children and the elderly can have massive impacts
on the health and happiness of elderly Australians. After just several weeks of
integrated activities, dramatic changes were observed. One elderly man went
from 7 to 4 in 7 weeks on the Geriatric Depression Scale, while one elderly
woman went from an 8 to a 1 in 7 weeks on the Geriatric Depression Scale. In
addition, 90% of the adults were walking more every day, 50% had better
balance and 80% saw improvements in their timed “up and go”,(here they start
sitting, walk to a cone and walk back) and grip strength. In addition, they
reported improved mood, confidence, strength, and appetite. Our first social
program would see kindergarten students visiting the elderly in the revolutionary
complex once or twice a week, for 10 weeks in total. Following this time period
wherein meaningful relationships can be forged - optional visits could be created
under supervision from a parent or garden. In addition, such a program does not
need to wait until the prototype is completed. Kindergartens could begin regular
visits to aged care homes to help begin forging relationships with the elderly,
with only limited costs such as bus travel if completed under school hours.

Japan’s program, Fureai Kippeau (known as caring relationship tickets) which has
origins dating back as late as 1973, offers a creative way in encouraging
intergenerational groups to interact and create experiences with the elderly. In
short, the program operates on the basis that volunteers can offer to spend time
with an elder (such as assisting with gardening, playing chess etc) and in return
receive a “time ticket”. For every hour a volunteer spends with an elder, they
receive a time ticket entitling them to one hour of time - which can be redeemed
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by themselves at any point in their life, or given to a loved one. These time tickets
essentially are trades in services, with an orientation for the elderly to be involved
(5). While this program underwent many reformations since its beginning, we took
inspiration from the fundamental basis to suggest a similar program be
implemented in Perth’s future intergenerational housing, as well as Perth’s
current communities. This program would allow volunteers to receive time tickets
or monetary compensation - this method would recognise altruistic motives as
well as the need to maintain a stable income. Volunteers who choose to be paid
would receive a set hourly wage funded by donations from the elderly or money
generated through the intergenerational living. Elderly would receive time tickets
to redeem with a volunteer similarly - such as one hour of storytelling would allow
them one hour of voluntary service. This program would not have to wait until
the prototype is constructed and has the potential to be implemented in local Perth
communities with little costs aside from advertising.

To further this idea, the Netherlands offers a unique perspective on

intergenerational living. The Humanitas Nursing Home offers rent free housing
students in exchange for at least 30 hours a week interacting with the elderly - in
essence, acting as good and purposeful neighbours. These activities are, but not
limited to watching sports and celebrating birthdays (5). While this suggestion is
not included in our prototype, if successful we would recommend implementing a
program based off this idea.
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SWOT Analysis:
Threats:
o Not finding potential development
areas if the prototype is successful
o Australian society’s hesitance to
change
o Having continued funding
Weaknesses:
o Having to rely on the communities
willingness to participate in the
prototype
o Not having a medical center of site
(for the prototype)
Figure 2 – SWOT Analysis
Opportunities:
o Provides a space to track well being
and compare to current facilities
o Allow younger generations to change
their attitudes towards the elderly
o Develop well-rounded and close
knitted communities
o Offer a more affordable alternative
to nursing homes and villages
o To broaden this housing style beyond
a prototype
o To instate laws that encourage
intergenerational connectivity
Strengths:
o Have similar housing models that
already exist and work well; can plan with
guidance
o The prototype will provide long-term
profit, with the increase in the property
value
o Medical professionals visit regularly to
the prototype
o Is in close proximity to Curtin university
with medical offerings cheaply.
o Will allow for socializing between
residents
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Milestone Schedule and Deliverables

*Note: The Volunteer programs and testing can commence without the need of the building but would be
better suited when the building is complete. For the purpose of this proposal, it is assumed that the
building is complete, and the residents have moved in within 6 months.

Milestone 1: Renovate Completion Stakeholder Acceptance Criteria

and Re-Design an Date
existing apartment
complex
Take design inspiration 13/2/2023 Project o Research existing designs
from existing Managers, in Singapore
intergenerational buildings Designers, o Adapt them to an
and complexes from Researchers, Australian community/city
Singapore’s CBD Project Planners o How can these designs be
integrated into pre-existing
buildings?
o Begin to draw sketches of
plans

Incorporate useful 20/3/2023 Interior o Emergency systems

amenities in design Architects & installed in bathrooms
Designers, o Ensure a lack of steps
Health & Safety between rooms
Officials, o Ensure wheelchair access
Potential Elderly to all spaces (e.g. elevator)
Tenants o Place additional rails in
bathrooms where required
o Doors have wheelchair
accessible buttons
o Censor activated light
switches
o Have sketches drawn and
ready

Renovate building 1/8/2023 Builders, Project o Building is renovated in

Managers, accordance with previously
Project Planners, described criteria
Tradesmen,
Investors
Table 1 – Milestone 1
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Milestone 2: Completion Stakeholder Acceptance Criteria

Establishing volunteer
programs
Aims to help different 1/10/2023
generations for different
needs (not only benefits
the elderly)
Date
Elderly, Youth, o Programs for elderly
Students, people to learn from
Volunteers, younger volunteers
Agency Workers o Programs for elderly
to provide people to teach from
programs, Adults younger volunteers
and Parents o Informative classes about
things that are important to
elderly but are relevant to
other communities (e.g.
how to use mygov,
medicare, etc.)

Creates a rewards system 1/8/2023 Volunteers, o An online voucher is given

for volunteers Family Members for an hour of help from a
of Volunteers volunteer for one hour of
(potentially), your volunteer work
Elderly Tenants o May be used by yourself or
a loved one
o Incorporates
intergenerational aspects

Ensure building partners 1/9/2023 Medical o Location is in a safer

up with local support Workers, Health neighbourhood
systems and Safety o Close to a medical centre
Officers, Urban o Close to
Planners, Project schools/universities
Managers, Local o Close to shopping centres
Government o Close to buses/train
stations

Table 2 – Milestone 2
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Milestone 3: Create Date Stakeholder Acceptance Criteria

physical and mental
health programs to
monitor change
Initial Testing of Volunteers 9/10/2023 Elderly and o Mental health test
and Elderly Volunteers, o Physical strength test
Local o Physical movement test
Government
Half-way check in tests of 10/11/2023 Local o Mental health test
volunteers and elderly Government, o Physical strength test
Elderly Tenants, o Physical movement test
Volunteers,
Investors
Final test of volunteers and 11/12/2023 Volunteers, o Mental health test
elderly Elderly Tenants, o Physical strength test
Local o Physical movement test
Government,
Investors
Table 3 – Milestone 3

Continuous Goals: Completion Stakeholder Acceptance Criteria

(above goals that must be Date
repeated throughout
experience)
Opening others to - Elderly, Youth, o People volunteering
intergenerational living Students, Local for stage two
Governments, o Influx in
Australian Government, volunteering and
Communities & community
Neighborhoods, engagement
Investors, Builders,
Project Managers,
Urban Planners,
Architects, Interior
Designers, Project
Planners, Health and
Safety Officers, Medical
Workers
Ensuring other programs - Everyone -
come to light
Table 4 – Continuous Goals
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Risks and Assumptions

THREATS ANALYSIS FROM SWOT ANALYSIS:

Threats:
o Not finding potential development areas if
the prototype is successful
o Australian society’s hesitance to change
o Having continued funding

Figure 3 – Threats SWOT

RISK AND PLANS TABLE:

Project Risks and Risk Owner Contingency Plans

Assumptions
1. Unable to find suitable Project Manager o Look at plots of land
area Project Team for sale in order to
build a complex rather
than renovate

2. Un-receptive community WA Gov. o Provide

reject the idea of Elderly people intergenerational
intergenerational living Those involved in promoting
programs o Provide
intergenerational
experiences
o Encourage
volunteering through
discussed hourly
rewards system

3. Loss in Funding for Budget Holders o Find Sponsors

building and programs WA Gov. o Generate a profit from
renting or selling
apartments
o Ask for grant from
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4. Lack of Volunteers Project Manager o Offer previously

people willing to WA Gov. discussed hourly
volunteer for said Budget Holders rewards system
program o Encourage
parents/schools to
volunteering their
classes for the
program

5. Lack of Elderly people Project Manager o Provide previous

willing to volunteer for WA Gov. research to show
said program Budget Holders physical and mental
benefits
o Offer reduced rates
for apartments
provided they agree
to the
programs/studies
o Encourage them to
volunteer their
grandchild’s schools
for the programs

Table 5 – Risk and Plans

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Stakeholders
Stakeholders
The Elderly (internal)
Youth (internal)
Students (internal)
Adults & Parents (internal)
Local Government
(internal)
Families of the Elderly in
the Prototype (internal)
Table 6 – Stakeholder
Interest in Project
o Would allow for intergenerational connectivity
o Provide tenants with mental and physical health
benefits
o Allows people to remain independent
o Significantly reduces the risk of unattended injuries
or emergencies
o Children will become more accustomed and well-
adjusted to adopting social attitudes that value the
elderly
o Visiting the elderly regularly would make caring for
them and including them come more naturally to
the children in the future
o The prototype can provide students with field work
for university, tafe or any other qualifications
o Interacting with the tenants has the potential to
boost or develop students’ intergenerational
communication skills
o Access to support and facilities provided to the
tenants of the prototype and the public
o A chance to connect with the elderly community
o Opportunities to develop interpersonal
relationships through accessing services alongside
the residents in the prototype
o Having more interconnected communities will
boost overall mental health and wellbeing locally
o There are benefits in regard to lowering risks for
certain mental health issues, as detailed by
professors such as Ruth Peters (previously
discussed in the purpose section)
o Relief in knowing that family members would be
able to maintain their independence safely
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Volunteering Resources Required

The required resources for this project have been identified throughout the
document, but they will be put here in a more comprehendible way.

FUNDING
The first prototype will be classed as a Residential Aged Care facility. As there is
already a current system for funding for these residential facilities in place, we will
utilize this. This means that the funding will be generated predominantly from the
Government. Once the apartments are completed, they will be sold or rented off
to the aged care residents were a profit can then be generated. With this being
said, this proposal will not focus on this.

PEOPLE
As previously mentioned, the volunteering scheme can integrate all walks of life
into one space, from all generations. Whilst the school program includes the
elderly, teachers and primary school students, the second volunteer program can
include anyone.
The program will allow for elderly people to volunteer their time, as well as medical
students, parents, adults, children, and teenagers. It also allows for different
companies to offer their time in return for help from others participating in the
group. In addition, there will be at least one person coordinating the program to
ensure a mix of different volunteering opportunities, and to ensure things are
running smoothly. This person will be paid and obtained through an external
agency to avoid government complications.
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Team Operating Principles
*Note: These principles will not only be applied to generating the prototype and future projects but
will be established in the residence as a guide to mindful living.
Relationship Topics:
1. Trusting Environment
- Ensure each team member can trust
each other
- This trust is easily gained by completing
promised work and being honest
- Trust others until they cannot be trusted
2. Conflict Easily Handled
- Well-handled conflict can lead to fixed
problems, creativity, and improved
methods
- If conflict becomes personal or
detrimental, the Project Manager or a
third party may be involved
3. Clear Communication
- Allows for clear understanding and a way to
move forward
- Allows us to raise important issues that may
not have been addressed
4. Participation Valued
- Allowing people to share ideas and
leadership means we can find different routes
and ways around issues
- All operations can be equally distributed
5. Ensure Confidentiality
- Work cannot be completed as effectively if
there is a fear of ideas or personal values being
shared outside of the team
Table 7 – Operating Principles
Process Topic:
1. Roles Established
- Each team member is assigned a role
which they focus upon such as who will
monitor the meeting minutes
- Creates feeling of value in each of us
2. Maintained Meetings
- Ensure meetings are handled in a concise
and professional manner
- Ideas and thoughts can be shared freely
- High Attendance rate, staff’s responsibility
to inform managers if they cannot attend
3. Create Decisions
- Finalize on set decisions and ideas to allow
staff to continue in relation to set decision
4. Consider Different Pathways
- Allow for open-mindedness before making a
set decision
- Ensures best route is taken for end goal and
those involved
5. Ensure a Clear Vision
- Whilst exploring different pathways, do not
lose sight of the end goal
- Ensure everything completed it align with
end goal
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trialled, retrieved 16/01/2023 from: https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-
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