Ignite their passions

There has been plenty of interest in ageing well following the Netflix hit show Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. The documentary did a deep dive into communities with the highest number of residents over 100 to identify the secrets to their longevity.

One of the key findings was having a strong sense of community and doing things together – such as sharing meals and gardening – underlining the importance of connection and purpose for the elderly, whether living at home or in an aged care setting.

Given those aged over 65 are forecast to make up more than a fifth of the population by 2066, it is imperative that we – both the aged care industry and the broader community – continue to innovate and invest in programs and opportunities to ignite passion, inspire creativity and give meaning to the lives of our senior citizens.

My current role involves speaking to the elderly and their carers and loved ones daily. There is no doubt in my mind that activities are key to creating the type of close bonds and shared interest groups highlighted as so important during Secrets of the Blue Zones.

Leisure and lifestyle programs are the beating heart of an individual’s aged care experience. They are the glue bringing people together, helping them make friends, enticing them into communal spaces and gardens, assisting them to unlock new interests and experiences, and keeping them connected to their sense of self – and their broader community.

People feel a renewed sense of purpose when there is a reason to get up each day, whether it’s to tend to a communal rose garden or to have a laugh with friends over a shared meal.

This sense of obligation to show up and engage with others reduces social isolation and loneliness – an increasing public health issue linked to poorer health outcomes. An Australian study, for example, found the impacts of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes or having six alcoholic drinks per day.

Shared leisure activities are conducive to mental agility and cognitive function, as those participating have the chance to solve problems and access new perspectives and solutions.

In an aged care setting, it’s important to understand the barriers and facilitators to engagement for those who are less social or at risk of social isolation, and work to implement strategies to help them remain happy, healthy, and connected.

Whether that is running activities in smaller groups, one-on-one pet therapy, or laughter care therapy with trained Clown Doctors, it’s important to find activities that excite each resident, and to bring meaning and joy to their daily lives.

The book Your Brain on Art highlights research showing that engaging in 45-minutes of art – whether it’s colouring in or playing music – reduces the stress hormone cortisol, thus improving cognitive performance and wellbeing.

The only word to describe it is “magical”

Lucy Temby

Our music programs are always well received, and we host concerts and run regular centre-wide singing sessions as well as specialised music therapy in our memory support units, with noticeable results.

I vividly remember the first time I experienced music-making with a group of older adults living with dementia. The only word to describe it is “magical”. It was so rewarding to see the difference music can have on communication, connection and mood.

Another project I’m particularly energised by is developing intergenerational programs, such as chick hatching in conjunction with preschools, pen pal initiatives, writing and illustrating stories with local children, or Singing Mamas – a program we are piloting that brings mums and children under five into our centres for group singing sessions.

Watching the residents’ delight at interacting with young children, as well as the renewed sense of value and purpose they gain from being a caregiver and respected elder in the community, clearly demonstrates the way genuine social connections improve the lives of senior citizens. And if, like the documentary suggests, they also live longer as a result – we’re heading in the right direction.

Lucy Temby is the wellness and community engagement coordinator for aged care and retirement living provider Cranbrook Care

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