Learn how activities aimed at the elderly help improve their quality of life
Programs aimed at the elderly are essential to promote well-being, development, and socialization for participants, especially seniors. The activities can serve as a powerful combination to keep both body and mind active, providing increasingly better quality of life for participants.
This is the case with the CASA Project, one of the initiatives of the Ramacrisna Institute, carried out with the support of the Betim City Hall. With various activities, the initiative offers sports, crafts, and dance workshops for the elderly. Below, learn about some of the actions of this program for the elderly.
Craft workshops and manual activities play an essential role in personal development and combating social isolation. Therefore, the CASA Project includes various activities that combine creativity and skill.
In the crochet workshop, for example, students learn to create different pieces, developing manual skills and concentration. This activity in the elderly program stimulates fine motor coordination and keeps the mind busy. Furthermore, the class becomes an opportunity to share techniques and stories.
Meanwhile, in the biscuit workshop, students work with modeling, creating small sculptures and decorative items. The manual work in this workshop not only exercises concentration but also offers a sense of accomplishment when creations take shape.
When it comes to ceramics, there are several benefits to molding clay, such as relaxation and improved concentration. Additionally, the workshop allows for the exploration of creativity through tactile means, resulting in functional or artistic objects.
In the macramé classes, the goal is to intertwine threads and ropes to create pieces. This activity stimulates patience and coordination. Eliane Aparecida is one of the students in the workshop, who started attending classes to improve her health.
“I had a stroke and undergo dialysis. I came here to help my hand. At first, my hand was trembling a lot, but now I’m improving well. I practically had nothing to do, right? So, I came here and improved my mental health and motor coordination,” she says.
Finally, in the fabric painting workshop, the elderly can explore colors and develop planning and design skills. Moreover, it allows for personal expression through the choice of themes and colors.
The elderly program also includes physical activities designed to promote the well-being of the elderly, respecting their limitations and needs. One of the most complete practices is Pilates, which helps improve flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. Besides preventing falls, it is excellent for relieving joint pain and strengthening the body in a gentle way.
Additionally, the functional training classes combine different types of activities to strengthen the body and combat a sedentary lifestyle. There are many benefits. “I improved my self-esteem a lot, I loved the classes. Personally, I feel an improvement in my motor coordination. Because they would say ‘go here, go there,’ and sometimes I would go the other way, but now I can keep up. I liked it, and I’m even losing inches,” says student Rosemary Aguiar.
Another option for students is Forró. The dance is a fun and engaging way to stay active. Forró, with its simple steps and infectious rhythm, offers not only physical benefits but also improved coordination and cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for social interaction and fun.
In addition to activities for the elderly, the CASA Project (Culture, Social Assistance, and Sports Activities), carried out by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with the Betim City Hall, offers activities and free courses for all ages. There are several centers, distributed across the 10 regions of the city, where sports, crafts, music, tutoring, and job market training activities are offered—all free of charge.
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