New Zealand Institute of Sport students recently organised a Carnival Day at Radius St Helenas, Christchurch. This unique occasion promoted social interaction through games and activities to improve health, well-being, critical thinking, and determination.
The students had made the games by hand with the residents' mobility in mind, and this inter-generational Carnival Day was a mental health boost.
"I had a lot of fun. I did painting, played ping pong and many other activities," said resident Jo Stark.
Another resident, Jackie Blade, shared the same sentiments as Stark and was awed by the fact that the students had taken some time to organise an event.
"The students used their Kiwi ingenuity and did all the equipment themselves. Everyone had a smile on their faces. They made things basic that everyone could do and enjoy," said housekeeper Annette Hunt.
Statistics from Te Pou state that one or two in every six older New Zealanders may experience mental health problems, and it is a common misperception that it is solely due to their old age, with the idea that nothing can be done to help.
However, there are plenty of ways to improve the quality of life for older individuals.
Events like the one organised by the Institute of Sport students bring the buzz with their energy. Small efforts to build genuine connections can go above and beyond to make the residents' day.
