They say it is easy to love children but the true mark of the people is how they treat their old.
The elderly are often segregated from society in retirement villages these days but what happens when you break down those barriers?
At Anchorage Park Kindergarten in Auckland's Pakuranga, you may think it's the grandmothers or grandfathers visiting the children but in fact, they are the residents from the local retirement home.
It's much more than child's play, and it's part of growing evidence that putting the very old with the very young together works wonders.
Residents from seven retirement villages are now visiting Auckland kindergartens and it's all because of 91-year-old Poppa Jim.
He lost his wife 20 years ago and experienced a sad and tough time.
"I used to walk past the kindergarten and I heard the happy laughter of the little children at play and thought, it might be good to be with them."
The kindergarten gave him a trial four years ago and he's been visiting every week since.
Auckland University Health Sciences Professor Merryn Gott says the visits makes the elderly feel useful, valued and it's important for mental health. Early interactions may also help how young children feel about old people and ageing and there should be encouragement for generations to mix more.
Story went to visit the kindergarten where the visitors are embracing a second childhood.
Watch the video for the full Story report.
