LIFE support with Age-Advanced Individuals Sensory - Social Interaction Workshops continue…

YAŞAM support continues with Sensory - Social Interaction Workshops with Elderly Individuals…

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Social Work Department Faculty Member and  Director of the Center for Aging Studies Application and Research (YAŞAM) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Say Şahin, Happiness Research Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan and Gölhisar Vocational School  Health Care Services Department Home Patient Care Program instructor Lecturer Gülnihal Altun lead the  Burdur Hilmi Hafize Evin Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center conducted ‘Sensory Social Interaction Workshops’ continue at full speed. With the attention and focus studies conducted within the scope of the workshop, both the YAŞAM volunteer youth and the nursing home residents are smiling.

Pleasant Moments at Burdur Hilmi Hafize Evin Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center: 

‘Balance Game with Cups’ Activity

The social event organized for the elderly living at Burdur Hilmi Hafize Evin Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center provided both enjoyable moments and contributed to their physical and mental health. As part of the event, a "Balance Game with Cups" was organized for the nursing home residents. Participants engaged in friendly competition with each other in the simple rules and fun atmosphere of the game.

The game aims to improve the motor skills and focus abilities of the elderly. Participants had to maintain balance by stacking the cups they held without dropping the top ball. This seemingly simple activity allows the elderly to stay active both physically and mentally.

The joy and laughter of the elderly during the event were worth seeing. Mustafa, a 78-year-old resident of the nursing home, expressed his satisfaction by saying, "These kinds of games make us feel the young spirit inside us despite our age." Participants created a sincere environment by encouraging and supporting each other during the game.

Dudu, a 75-year-old nursing home resident, stated that she both enjoyed and sometimes played the games they learned in the recent attention and focus workshops in their rooms. She said, "Participating in these activities with our teachers, volunteer students, and other friends is very enjoyable, we eagerly await Thursday."

MAKÜ Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Social Work Department faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz SAY ŞAHİN emphasized the importance of elderly participation in social activities. "Our aim is to add joy to the daily lives of our residents, help with memory problems that arise with aging by teaching simple balance and memory games through physical activities, and ensure they have enjoyable days," she stated.

These types of games are seen as a very effective method to increase both physical and mental functionality among the elderly. Director of the Center for Aging Studies Application and Research Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz SAY ŞAHİN stated that they aim to strengthen the social bonds of the elderly and improve their quality of life by planning more events in the coming weeks, that the work is carried out as a social responsibility project, and that as Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, they attach great importance to social contribution and sustainability in their work, and that the university administration closely follows the work without withholding their support in this regard. 

In addition to balance and memory games, workshops that encourage art and creativity are also conducted. The mandala painting activity held at the nursing home this week is a beautiful example of this. Mandala painting is an activity that enhances focus and creates a relaxing effect by coloring the repeating patterns. This activity, conducted in the last half hour of the workshop with classical music, attracts a lot of interest from elderly adults.

Hasan, an 82-year-old resident of the nursing home, expressed his satisfaction with the event by saying, "This activity is very beautiful and peaceful. It's great to see the smile on everyone's face." Participants proudly displayed their works in the exhibition created after the event by showcasing the mandalas they painted.

MAKÜ Faculty of Education Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan stated that they plan to frequently organize such activities to support the elderly's interest in art and increase their social interaction. He also said, "Art is an effective way to protect the emotional and mental health of our elderly. Activities like mandala help elderly individuals express themselves and establish closer relationships with each other."