Elderly People
To carry out good practice with the elderly in rural areas, seeking cognitive training and motor skills through dynamics that entertain and enhance group activity, because, nowadays, society is getting older (even more in rural areas). For all these reasons, it is important to work with this group and carry out actions aimed at improving their quality of life in different aspects of their age-specific characteristics
The Project idea it´s created and carried out by the same person (CEAS Social Educator/ Communitarian Animator) for participants (senior people of rural areas). The project may be modified and adjusted during his implementation according to the participants´ needs. It is a workshop to keep their minds active in participatory and playful way. In addition, there is a collaboration with the CEAS team and with the Town Council for the materials, the space and equipment.
The methodology is participatory and playful during, because it is a project about carrying out the workshops based on activities that are to promote group cohesion, disinhibition and communication.
The project is carried out in eight sessions 1.5 hours, one day a week, for eight weeks, equivalent to two months.
Some of the propose activities are:
The results are beneficial, since activities are carried out to facilitate individual and group communication, motor skills, and seek to improvement the cognitive development of the elderly, through good practice which are good for them. These actions are rewarded because the work in different areas is directly impacted the neighborhood.
Also, after finishing the project, we give to participants are given a sheet with items based on the Likert scale, the results of which are usually successful.
The impact is positive because we have a participatory project in their environment. It is beneficial, as they will have a space for socialization, with activities that will keep them active and that will seek a better quality of life. In the same way as the title of the project says, age is a matter of the mind.
In addition, it is developed by the CEAS with the collaboration of the City Councils, it is free for the participants. They Will be able get away from the routine without leaving their surroundings.
This project can be done by any professional who can adapt the activities to the group with which they are taught, solving questions and encouraging participation and collaboration. The person who develops it must motivate the group and create a space of trust, for which it is best to get involved in the activities, set an example and share opinions in moments of debate. The best thing about the project is that it is dynamic and highly motivating and encourages participation, it is not just about doing written activities, but sharing space, fears and experience.
In one hand, it is not an obstacle as such, but it is a small difficulty, which is that it is not expected to be a workshop with such participation and activity. On the other hand, usually on times of debate or comments, the participants talk a lot, sometimes, they even intermingle with other topics and disperse from the activity.
The title is that age is a matter of the mind, because age is in reality a number. Obviously, there are people who have added difficulties due to age, but with patience and integrating them into the group without making them feel different, everyone can help each other and feel comfortable. Also, when we become older, behavior and mind return to the innocence and thought of childhood and what better way than to “learn by playing”
In reference to the costs, it is economically sustainable because it does not have high costs, only place and materials for dynamics. it is socially sustainable because today, there are many people from this group and it improves their network of support and contacts.
The key is making the practice economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and eye-catching for participants, at low cost and in the right environment.
As has been pointed out throughout the table, this good practice can be replicated in any rural or urban area. The most important thing is the predisposition of the person who heads the activity and the attendees, as an active participation by all the members.
The impact is positive and the learning is reciprocal during the development of the project, both by the participants and by the person who guides the activities. It is also a rewarding job when you see the reactions and the affection, they show you after finish the project.
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