Workshops on Sensory - Social Interaction with Elderly Individuals Continue

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  at 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 exercises conducted within the scope of the workshop, both the YAŞAM volunteer youth and the nursing home residents are smiling.

Enjoyable Moments at Burdur Hilmi Hafize Evin Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center:  ‘Balance Game with Cups’ Activity

The social activity 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. Within the scope 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 joy and laughter of the elderly during the event were worth seeing. 

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

Such 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 Şahin stated that they aim to strengthen the social bonds of the elderly and improve their quality of life by planning more activities 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 increases focus and creates a relaxing effect by coloring the inside of repeating patterns. This activity, conducted in the last half hour of the workshop with classical music, attracts a lot of interest from older adults.

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 older individuals express themselves and establish closer relationships with each other."