Heliopolis Elderly Center

December’s theme was of course ‘Happy Holidays!’ and the month was full of different events at the Heliopolis Elderly Center all with a Holiday theme. Everything from circular dancing, to a performing choir, and a magical musical dance performance by the dance group, a Christmas tree decorated by the literacy group and beautiful Christmas cards were created by the Seniors during their ICT lessons! This is just to name a few of the events enjoyed by our participants during the holiday festivities. 

The choir prepared three holiday songs to sing at the celebration. For these senior singers, the desire to perform was the least significant motivator. Instead, a majority said that being a member of the group, having artistic and emotional experiences, and forming social contacts in the choir were most valuable. Improving self-confidence, developing singing skills, and increasing their knowledge of music also played a role. At the Heliópolis Elderly Center seniors have two singing lessons a week.

Circular dancing classes and dance classes are offered twice a week for seniors at the Heliópolis Elderly Center. Research findings support the use of circular dance as an alternative of physical activity for older seniors, bringing benefits in cardiorespiratory capacity and lower limb muscle strength. In addition to the physical benefits, dance also brings to its practitioners gains in the form of social interaction. They performed beautifully, and it was amazing to see the progress they have made throughout the year.

Seniors also enjoyed making Holiday cards in the ICT lab to hang on the Christmas tree. Through their ICT and literacy lessons twice a week Seniors have been able to bridge the digital divide by engaging in various online activities. Research findings show that digital seniors are developing new practices and routines around their ICT use as well as creating new practices, where they seamlessly combine traditional habits with new ones emerging from ICT use.

It was so wonderful to see how seniors were able to use what they learned throughout the year during their holiday party.