Tenants from Mornay Way Retirement Complex and digital leaders from Dykehead Primary School, Shotts have worked together in our digital intergenerational project.
This award-winning project, delivered through our Driving Digital Locally initiative, brings generations together to improve digital skills among older adults while helping young pupils develop vital communication and social skills.
During the weekly sessions, the senior citizen and pupils engaged in lively discussions using iPads, supporting the older residents to navigate the digital world with confidence.
The pupils, in turn, gained valuable experience in patience, and interpersonal communication, learning how to teach and support the senior tenants in a respectful and engaging way.
The seniors also had the opportunity to try virtual reality (VR) headsets, opening a whole new world of experiences for them. The technology allowed them to revisit places they had fond memories of from years gone by, sparking conversations and nostalgia as they explored familiar locations.
Others enjoyed immersive adventures, including an underwater journey where they came face-to-face with marine life beneath the waves. One resident was particularly delighted to relive memories of his younger days by experiencing a virtual parachute jump, bringing back the excitement of an activity he had enjoyed in the past.
The sessions proved a huge hit, providing entertainment, encouraging social interaction, and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.
Michael Whyte (90) who took part in both the sessions with the children and the VR sessions, said: “I really enjoyed the sessions. The children were patient, friendly and exceptionally well behaved. They showed a genuine interest in our stories, and it was wonderful to see them bring some of those memories to life using the iPad. I especially enjoyed using the Maps app to revisit places where I used to live.
“Before taking part, I didn't even know how to switch an iPad on, but the children were amazing teachers. My favourite part was experiencing the VR headset, which allowed me to revisit places where I used to play football as a boy. It was a truly memorable experience.”