Senior citizens from the Flower Foundation’s Waverley Gardens Memory Centre and the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Specialised Care Centre visited the Johannesburg Zoo recently.
Marketing manager at the foundation Luisa Miranda explained that harsh restrictions were placed on senior citizens at these homes during the lockdown, limiting the number of interactions that were permitted for residents.
“Regulations were eased and the Covid-19 cases subsided and it was time to arrange an outing for residents,” said Miranda.
After a morning filled with excitement in seeing horses, elephants, water buffalo and more, residents squeezed in a quick lunch to regain their strength.
“Zoo outings, in particular, are an excellent way of getting senior citizens out and about, increasing their opportunities for exercise and social interaction and decreasing their risk of developing symptoms of depression. For those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia disease, it is believed that spending a few hours at the zoo or any animal facility can bring back fond childhood memories.”
Miranda said outdoor outings like these can help to change residents’ moods, lower stress levels and lift their spirits. “An outing can benefit an individual, especially with a dose of vitamin D, which assists in keeping bones and joints strong.”
Waverley Gardens Memory Centre aims to keep residents stimulated, both actively and cognitively. For more information, visit www.flower.org.za
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