Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds is the only Australian programme to win an International Emmy

The ABC’s Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds has captivated and warmed our hearts as we’ve watched the endearing relationships being formed between older people living in aged care facilities, and their 4-year-old visitors.

The series, while only five episodes, has now received international acclaim, being the only Australian programme to win an International Emmy. 

Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, the show originally aired on ABC in 2019. Contenting against three other shows from South America, Europe and Asia, Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds was the winner of the non-scripted entertainment category in the US on Tuesday. 

Taking a group of 4-year-olds, and placing them in an aged care facility with volunteer residents, the show aims to research the positive effects of older people spending time with young children.

Based on the original UK format, the “social experiment” follows their progress over seven weeks, while geriatricians and early childhood experts monitor the progress of the participants. 

It was a privilege having Grace on #OldPeoplesHomeAU. She threw herself into this social experiment with her infectious enthusiasm, which had an impact on everyone she met. We were all deeply saddened when Grace passed away and hope this series honours her remarkable spirit. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lcqLnCxMxD

— abctv (@ABCTV) September 24, 2019

“Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds combines the magical spontaneity and innocence of young kids with the wisdom and heart of older generations,” Jennifer Collins, the ABC’s head of factual and culture.

“There are very few programs that give a voice to our elders and this is a perfect vehicle for bridging the divide between generations, with humour and joy.”

This isn’t the first award the groundbreaking program has won. Last year, Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds took home the Aacta award for best documentary or factual program and was awarded gold at the 2020 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards for best social issues documentary.

The show provides an insight into the importance of connections, relationships and meaningful activities for older people and shows how love and positivity can come from some of the most unlikely of sources.

Whilst also not shying away from the inevitable realities that come with an ageing body and mind.