Carers and even operators take note. The great indoors in groups has so many benefits for residents so be sure to book plenty of trips when COVID-19 lockdowns are removed.
Outdoor group excursions make older people feel happier, more confident, and can form new friendships whatever the excursion, according to a study by Dr Joyce Siette (pictured right), who led the study at Macquarie’s Australian Institute of Health Innovation in Macquarie Park, 13km north-west of Sydney’s CBD.
Dr Siette and her team of researchers looked at 57 adults over the age of 65 in Perth on group excursions that also included skating, riding a Harley Davidson and having dinner at a restaurant among other activities.
The participants, average age of 81, were living independently and receiving community-based services from either the Federal Government-subsidised Commonwealth Home Support Program or the Home Care Package Program to manage or alleviate health risks by giving them some help with shopping, cleaning or gardening.
“The benefits were largely related to social wellbeing,” said Dr Siette.
Dr Siette’s team also interviewed carers, who reported significant improvements of their loved ones after the excursions.
“Dad went ice-skating yesterday. Came home and he was just grinning from ear to ear – and this is someone who was highly depressive,” says one carer. “So the behavioural changes are enormous.”
Carers also appreciated the program because it gave them some respite.
Participants and carers agreed that the program succeeded because the activities happened in a group and they had a choice of excursions.
Even the anticipation of the excursion was positive for many participants.
“If you’re on your own you think, I won’t do that or I’ll do that tomorrow,” says Dorothy*, another participant. “Now I get quite excited. I think tomorrow we’re going out and it gives me a lift.”
Dr Siette suggested future government initiatives for older people still living at home should focus on prioritizing initiatives that provide them opportunities for social connection with the wider community.
“Excursion, group-based activities that focus on building and bridging relationships can create a sense of belonging and inclusion, address social loneliness and improve older adults’ physical, mental and social outcomes,” she says.
I know it’s hard to organise anything with COVID-19 but be sure to book get togethers.
