Why an 85-Year-Old Might Be Your Child's Best Teacher: The Science of Grandfriends
6 May 2026Read time 10 min
Groundbreaking peer-reviewed research from the University of Melbourne has officially backed TLC Early Learning’s JELLYFISH program, proving that growing up alongside the older generation is a critical, missing component in modern early childhood education.
The study, published in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, used rigorous observational tools like the Leuven scale and CLASS Pre-K to measure the impact of co-located care. The results were transformative, showing that intentional, academically designed interactions between children and aged care residents produce outcomes that traditional childcare simply cannot match.
"We don’t just put different ages in a room and hope for the best. Our JELLYFISH program educators are trained to bridge the generation gap, ensuring our aged care residents are treated with the respect they deserve and children are stretched intellectually by the wisdom of their grandfriends."
THE SCIENCE OF CONNECTION: 5 KEY FINDINGS
- Social-Emotional Spikes: Researchers saw consistent jumps in empathy, emotional regulation, and social confidence.
- Advanced Language Modelling: Residents act as language mentors, teaching complex vocabulary such as the word magenta through authentic storytelling.
- The End of Isolation: By preventing the infantilisation of seniors, the program creates active partnerships that improve well-being for both the 3-year-old and the 85-year-old.
- Social Capital: Children gain a bridging understanding of the world through the lived histories of their grandfriends.
- Purpose-Built Engagement: High-quality learning occurs best in multimodal environments—art, music, and play—where generations sit side-by-side as equals.
“The evidence is now consistent and compelling. This reflects the power of bringing generations together with intention and care. TLC Early Learning remains Australia's only provider delivering this integrated model at scale."
Families interested in seeing this research in action are encouraged to book a tour today at TLC Early Learning in Mordialloc to witness the grandfriend connection firsthand.
About TLC Healthcare
TLC Healthcare owns and operates multi-generational healthcare precincts with co-located residential aged care, community medical centres, health clubs, early learning centres, registered training facilities and commercial cafés, across Melbourne and Geelong.
At TLC Early Learning, located at 113 McDonald St, Mordialloc in Victoria, we’re dedicated to providing unrivalled preschool education services and state-of-the-art childcare centres in Melbourne. Our leading curriculum, developed in collaboration with Melbourne University and Griffith University, incorporates innovative approaches drawn from early childhood research.
With a focus on integrated and inclusive learning, we strive to foster connectedness and engagement within our communities, including the residents of the co-located aged care home through our innovative intergenerational program, Jellyfish, ensuring every child feels at home as they learn, play, and grow.
For more information about TLC Early Learning, visit: TLC Early Learning Centre Melbourne | 6 weeks to 6 years
