Tutorial Five: Video Production (Part Two)

My first fieldwork placement was set in an assessment, treatment and rehabilitation ward that specialised in rehabilitation in over 65's. Consequently the majority of patients that I worked with during the four weeks were elderly, and facing problems that many do in the later stages of their lives. Being exposed to not only the medical issues, but also the occupational issues that elderly commonly face has led me to investigate videos that concern elderly health, and the activities that older adults can engage in in order to facilitate the maintenance of their ever-developing occupational identity and be satisfied and engaged in their lives.

All this talk of technology, now here is proof that even the elderly are making use of I.T to keep their minds active and engage in meaningful occupation through electronic devices. This 100 year old women swears by her Nintendo DS, which plays on everyday and says keeps her mind active and her feeling young. The use of technology amongst the elderly is certainly becoming more common; even if it takes them a little while to get used to, many older people are recognising its benefits, such as using cellphones to keep in touch with family and friends easily.

There are many organisations for older people, such as Probus: an association of semi-retired and retired people who meet together in clubs to "keep their minds active, expand their interests and enjoy the fellowship of new friends" (YouTube, 2008). The video below from Probus includes interviews from members explaining how Probus is beneficial to their occupational lives.

Just because you get older, does not mean that you have to give up the occupations that have always loved, as this 91 year old water-skier displays. A skier for 50 years, Edith McAllister hoons away behind a jet boat no trouble at all. Of course, not all elderly remain in adequate fitness to participate in such physically demanding activities, but this lady is a great inspiration and goes to show that old age should not limit your occupational engagement, whether it be knitting, reading, or water-skiing!

Art as a meaningful occupation is used as the principle of Art Therapy, which is thought by many researchers and health professionals as an activity that can be used to improve the quality of life for older adults, even those who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Here are two videos of the Tuesdays@4 performance troupe, a group of senior citizens using the  occupation of dance to socialise, have fun, express themselves, and show the world that even though they may be old, they still have moves!

References:

YouTube. (2012). 100 year old keeps sharp playing Nintendo DS. Retrieved on 27th April 2012

              from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nawe7F8cZ_U

YouTube. (2009). Amazing 91 year old who slalom water skies daily 1. Retrieved on 27th April
              2012 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8tQAdopfTo

YouTube. (2010). Beyond bingo: Art therapy for the elderly. Retrieved on 27th April 2012 from:
               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inTDrDax9pQ

YouTube. (2008). Probus. Retrieved on 27th April 2012 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch? 

               v=K3zcEF3p8Fo

YouTube. (2011). Senior Citizen Flash Mob! Tuesdays@4. Retrieved on 28th April 2012 from: 

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuptqo31KiQ

YouTube. (2011). Tuesdays@4 Performance Troupe. Retrieved on 28th April 2012 from:
              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8AtW3qLcKY