Maintaining independence and ageing

By prioritising prevention and connection, we are supporting and empowering people to optimise their own health and maintain independence for as long as possible.

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'Maintaining Independence at Home' – FREE Educational Program View

NCHA Independent Living Laboratory – Simulation facility View

Community connection and activity spaces View

NCHA Intergenerational Playground

The Intergenerational Playground is located at the Healthy Futures Hub in Seaford and is the world’s first open-air research laboratory which examines how community infrastructure can be designed to optimise intergenerational connection, STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and physical activity.

Sensor technology in the playground enables the NCHA to track the number of people interacting with various exhibits together with the height of these people (providing an indication of how many are adults and how many are children). This data helps NCHA researchers understand which activities encourage the most STEM learning, intergenerational engagement and physical activity.

The Intergenerational Playground can be accessed by the general public at all times and is free of charge. The NCHA encourages local families to visit the playground frequently so that STEM learning becomes routine.
Local school groups visit the Intergenerational Playground on planned excursions to connect with older adult volunteers. These volunteers have received training in the use of the infrastructure and work together with students to better understand the scientific concepts underpinning each exhibit.
This program is informed by evidence suggesting that imagination, play and intentional teaching practices promote STEM learning (Fleer, 2015). School group excursions also enable professional development for classroom teachers. Literature tells us that when educators observe students engaged in intergenerational learning, they are able to see first-hand the purpose of what they are teaching and how it applies to real world experiences (Cole, 2023).
The playground is also accessed by practitioners engaging children and their families in capacity building activities. This includes playgroup facilitators and NDIS providers such as play therapists and occupational therapists.

Click here to learn more about the NCHA Intergenerational Playground research project

NCHA Adult Exercise Park

The Adult Exercise Park is also located at the Healthy Futures Hub in Seaford, within the same open-air environment as the Intergenerational Playground. It offers age-friendly equipment to support balance, strength, and mobility, with research showing it improves function and reduces falls.

The Adult Exercise Park can be accessed by the general public at all times and is free of charge.

National Centre for Healthy Ageing

National Centre for Healthy Ageing

Maintaining independence and ageing

By prioritising prevention and connection, we are supporting and empowering people to optimise their own health and maintain independence for as long as possible.

Discover innovative health and wellbeing opportunities ...

'Maintaining Independence at Home' – FREE Educational Program View

What you’ll gain:

Discover more FREE Ageing Well Clinics!

NCHA Independent Living Laboratory – Simulation facility View

So, what’s it all about?

Further information about how to access and book this space is coming soon!

Community connection and activity spaces View

NCHA Intergenerational Playground

NCHA Adult Exercise Park

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Healthy Futures Hub

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