By Molly Wisniewski United States
Found In: ›Activities ›Articles
Developing an activities calendar that is age-appropriate for residents is so important. Singing nursery rhymes and coloring can be popular activities for older adults but we must ensure that these types of activities are conducted in dignified and age-appropriate ways.
Here are examples of how you can adapt activities that are often considered 'childish' to ensure they are age-appropriate.
Many older adults will enjoy singing nursery rhymes from their childhood. Even people living with dementia can often recall the lines of songs from their youth.
Popular nursery rhymes include:
Related: Reminiscing with Childhood Nursery Rhymes
When using nursery rhymes in an activity, make sure that any CD or Video you use to accompany the activity is age-appropriate. Avoid anything that is specifically targeted to babies and small children.
Related: Nursery Rhyme Game
Coloring can be a relaxing activity for residents, including those living with dementia. However, coloring with crayons and using kids color-in pages or traditional coloring books can be inappropriate for older adults.
Instead, seek coloring pages that have been specifically designed for older adults.
Try these printable and age appropriate coloring pages on Golden Carers:
Read more on the benefits of coloring and find even more printable pages here:
The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly
Doll therapy can be a very successful intervention for older adults living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. To comfort a baby doll can bring a great deal of joy and rekindle memories of the past.
Doll Therapy Dos to Don'ts:
Visitors, staff, and even other residents may question why the resident is holding a baby doll. It is helpful to be able to explain to them the benefits of nurturing a doll and the appropriateness of this intervention for the person in question.
Related: Doll Therapy & Dementia
These days it can be challenging to find family-friendly TV shows or movies that are suitable to watch with the residents. Because of this, it may seem appropriate to put on cartoons or 'kids' movies for the residents to watch.
Watching cartoons is appropriate when:
At other times, it is better to choose age-appropriate movies and shows from yesteryear. Try these popular movies and TV shows:
Related: Planning a Movie Night for the Elderly
Age-appropriateness should be considered for every activity on our calendars. This ultimately needs to assessed on a case by case basis and will depend on how and why the activity is conducted.
The most important thing is to ensure that the residents are engaged and enjoying the activity.
Watching cartoons, coloring in children's coloring books, and even children's puzzles are inappropriate options to provide residents.
As professionals, we should always be mindful of the age-appropriateness of activities and search for versions of childhood favorites that are suitable for older adults.
For all - When I think about what is 'age appropriate' I consider the age and history of the people I work with. These are older adults....not children. Think about how you wish your parent, grandparent, or yourself to be treated when their age.
Think 'meaningful, person-centred activity'. Get to know the Residents ...talk to them....their family....friends. Find out what is meaningful for each person? Rather than cartoons (which are primarily made for children), what TV programs/movies would they have watched and enjoyed during their adult years, or new releases they may enjoy now? Rather than nursery rhymes, what songs and poems did they enjoy during their adult years, or would like to learn or create now? Rather than colouring pages, what creative art projects did they enjoy in their adult years, or....would they enjoy learning now....and with real, quality art tools? Rather than preschool craft projects, what handicrafts (ie. weaving, quilting, woodworking, etc.) did they enjoy in their adult years, or would like to learn/experience now?
I encourage you and others to research "Goffman and the infantilization of elderly persons' for more background and insights on this issue. There is a long history of infantilizing Residents in long term care activity programs.....we can and must do better!