Northern Beaches local Fiona Goode is back again to facilitate the third series of the ABC’s groundbreaking social experiment, ‘Old People’s Home For…”, as the onscreen teacher.
One of Australia’s favourite shows is back, but this year it comes with a twist.
Seeing the genuine connections formed on the first two seasons of ABC’s ‘Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds’, local educator Fiona Goode decided it was time for the incredibly popular show to be revamped.
Together with the producers, the local familiar face began working on a new spinoff series – ‘Old People’s Home For Teenagers’.
Airing weekly throughout September, Fiona said that the idea of using teenagers in the upcoming series was a ‘no-brainer.’
“Loneliness and isolation among teenagers are serious problems that not only affect the whole of Australia, but our beloved Beaches as well,” she says.
“So many teenagers struggle to find that human connection we all crave.”
“We thought that by pairing them with an elderly member of the community, we could showcase the improvements to mental health and explore the unique multi- beneficial outcomes associated.”
“So many teenagers struggle to find that human connection we all crave.”
Fiona has been involved in the education sphere her entire professional life; starting off as a teacher, she has slowly morphed her career into a more operational role, managing multiple education facilities.
Onscreen, she acts as the teacher that facilitates intergenerational learning and helps form connections between participants on the show.
The Peninsula local stressed that the five-part series should act as a wake-up call for all Australians, highlighting the importance of frequent interaction with our elderly.
“Teens need it, and our elderly people need it. So, if we could all find this neutral ground, it would greatly benefit our community,” she said.
With 10 adolescents to work with, Fiona admits that this year’s series was much more challenging to facilitate and engage with than the previous seasons using four-year-olds.
“How do I say this respectfully… Teenagers are way harder to distract with shiny objects,” she laughs.
“If I’m being honest, I was a little intimidated. Teenagers come in with these preconceived ideas and opinions but working through them really made the results and outcomes at the end of the show so incredibly special.”
The series aims to challenge respective generational misconceptions through simple everyday tasks, from cooking to using technology, all to help build the confidence and improve the well-being of both groups.
Fiona was also pleased to reveal that this year’s season was filmed on our very own Northern Beaches in a studio at North Head.
“It was really nice filming in my own area this season. It meant a lot to make a genuine impact on my local community. The fact we were a part of the same area allowed me to connect on a slightly deeper level,” she said.
With loneliness and isolation among teens and elderly increasingly becoming an issue on the Peninsula, Fiona is encouraging everyone to check and engage with people of all ages in their community.
“Any volunteering of time, no matter how big or small can make such a big impact on these people’s lives. It’s unbelievable,” she says.
“Having genuine and trusting connections with a companion at any age really is the recipe to a long-lasting and more fulfilled life.”
Fiona hopes that the future of intergenerational learning sees continual growth and expansion and believes there is still so much benefit to be gained from these programs in the wider community.
“I love the pure simplicity of bringing two generations together,” she says.
“The future is bright when I see two generations come together and thrive.”