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RECREATION
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When activities are meaningful, they bring joy and connection to aged care recipients, write DR CLAIRE GOUGH and PROFESSOR JENNIFER TIEMAN.
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s we get older, staying involved in the activities we enjoy can be harder, especially as our social circles start to shrink. Keeping active, whether through social or physical activities, can make a big difference. Older people who stay engaged often enjoy a better quality of life and face a lower risk of losing their independence. Yet, despite the benefits, many people, whether living at home or in Dr Claire Gough aged care facilities, spend much of their time alone and inactive. Meaningful activities are those that give us a sense of purpose and bring joy as well as keep us engaged. They have the potential to boost our emotional wellbeing, mental sharpness and physical health. However, what entails a meaningful activity is different for everyone, it often depends on personality, preference and life experience. In residential aged care activities such as gardening, bingo and music are common. However, not every activity will appeal to everyone and not every activity can be offered. Understanding what is meaningful for each person takes time. Given the high demands on their time, aged care workers may prioritise essential tasks such as helping with personal hygiene and dressing, leaving little or no time to find those truly meaningful activities for each resident. This is also true in the home care setting. While the existing evidence does not exactly explain how to identify what makes an activity meaningful, a few key elements do seem to stand out. Meaningful activities tend to be those that are person-centred, as well as diverse, enjoyable and engaging. They are most effective when delivered by a skilled workforce and supported by the surrounding environment. 40 | NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2024
Person-centred care
Person-centred care is all about connecting the individual to what matters to them by weaving meaningful activities into daily routines. Personalised activity plans can help by articulating a person’s personality, interests, life story, and what they enjoyed doing in the past as well as the present and the future. Taking the time to get to know someone can be part of the Professor Jennifer Tieman assessment process and not only builds staff understanding of the person but encourages older people to consider and engage in activities that truly interest them.
Diverse, enjoyable, engaging Offering a variety of activities, that connect with different cultures, bring together generations, involve animals, music, art, or even innovative technology, can make a big difference in helping older people find meaning. These activities should be fun, engaging and support a persons’ sense of identity and values. Taking the time to learn about someone’s interests before they needed aged care services can help adapt activities as mobility and memory change. Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial-and-error, with caregivers needing to try different activities to see which ones bring joy and meaning.
Delivered by a skilled workforce A skilled workforce is essential for helping older people find meaningful activities when receiving aged care. Skilled care workers can support engagement and have a repertoire of resources and activities that can prompt social interactions. Service providers need to focus on training, developing, and