SENIORS are sharing their knowledge of the arts and crafts of yesteryear with younger generations at a studio in Kalamunda.
Local businesswoman Fay Valli created the intergenerational classes after the heartbreak of seeing her grandparents move into aged care facilities and lose their passion for activities they once loved.
“Some of my fondest memories growing up are of creating macrame crafts, cooking and knitting with my grandmother,” she said.
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READ NOW“Sadly, when she moved into aged care she lost her love of arts and crafts.
“I wanted to reignite the passion for these old-school crafts, while also providing opportunities for our seniors to share their wisdom, feel needed and get creative,” she said.
Mrs Valli said the program aimed to encourage retirees, seniors and those in aged care physically able to take an hour a week to be creative, share stories and meet new people.
“During intergenerational classes, seniors can attend with their children, grandchildren or pair with other families to complete projects together,” she said.
“I want to help seniors share their knowledge, stories and create something they can take home and talk about.
“But, most of all, I want to help foster a sense of positive ageing where seniors feel connected to their community and can realise their importance,” she said.
Mrs Valli said she would like to roll out the program to local aged care facilities or community centres to allow everyone to participate.
“I’ve already spoken with the Federal Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt, and he thinks it is a great idea.
“We’re hoping to secure some funding to offer these classes to those who can’t afford it, but who perhaps need it the most.”
She said many people in aged care are lonely and some have no visitors at all, so the classes would encourage interaction and spark creativity.
Term 1 begins on February 6 at Mrs Valli’s ArtHEART studio in Kalamunda.
Visit www.faireandco.com or Faire on Facebook.
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