Take the time to find pursuits that matter

As 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 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.

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 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.

Service providers need to focus on training, developing, and retaining qualified staff who can deliver care effectively and safely support a variety of different activities

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 retaining qualified staff who can deliver care effectively and safely support a variety of different activities.

One recommendation is to upskill workers for activity and lifestyle coordinator roles, ensuring there’s always someone to help support engagement in meaningful activities.

This approach could both boost quality of life for older people and also provide staff with opportunities to grow in their roles and improve job satisfaction and retention.  

Supported by the environment

Creating a welcoming, homelike environment that’s accessible for older people with different cognitive and physical abilities is key, especially when it comes to offering access to the outdoors.

Nature-based activities can boost life satisfaction and social connection, but many older people face barriers to enjoying garden spaces due to safety concerns.

To embed meaningful activities in aged care, it is important to have the right resources, such as activity rooms, outdoor areas, and supplies for art, music, technology, games and gardening.

While resources may be available within the home care setting, time constraints and limited options for mixing with people may limit the range and nature of suitable activities.  

Community resources and partnerships can help support activities outside of a care facility or a person’s home, but funding is essential.

Care workers also need backing from regulations and support from management to prioritise meaningful activities. Investing in these activities could enhance aged care services, though it may take time and is highly dependent on the organisational culture of the aged care service.

Putting it into practice

While the evidence to support the importance of meaningful activities in aged care continues to grow, it reminds us just how complex it can be to put these ideals into practice.

The time, familiarity and deep understanding of each person required to identify meaningful activities that truly resonates needs to be factored into staff daily work practices.  

In residential care, lifestyle coordinators often design group programs to encourage activity and socialisation. But for some residents, meaningful activities need to be customised.

In home care, it’s important to consider activities that bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction within the home, while also encouraging connections with others and the broader community. Much of this planning and encouraging may rest with a care worker.

We still need more research to fully understand how to identify and integrate meaningful activities into aged care. However, providers and care workers can start by focusing on the key elements that support older adults in doing activities they enjoy.

Building ways for older people to continue to find meaning as they age depends on a compassionate workforce and culture that places the individual at the centre of care.

Invest in training that appreciates each person’s unique history, balances risk with autonomy and fosters a positive workplace culture.

Altogether, these steps can make a real difference in the lives of older adults.

Dr Claire Gough is a research fellow at Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia
Professor Jennifer Tieman is director of the Research Centre in Palliative Care, Death and Dying at Flinders University

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