Stimulating activities - Activities - Upstream

Stimulating activities

What do we mean by ’stimulating creative and social’ activity? 

Creative activity is as important to healthy life as eating well, taking the right kind of exercise and enjoying the company of others. GPs lay emphasis on the importance of a good balance between mental and physical health. Like exercise, which needs to be ‘active’, not just going for a stroll, so mental exercise needs to be meaningful and stimulating. Sometimes people will find what they want in the community already but often they prefer small, friendly, informal groups, try new skills and gain confidence. In Mid-Devon, where there is less choice of community activities than in Exeter, Upstream’s Mentors have specialised in this kind of activity group. Mentors help to:

• Start the group by finding other people interested in similar activities;
  
• Arrange a venue and suggest activities (subject to discussion with participants);
• Invite professional ‘artists’ and other visitors to stimulate activities;
• Help with any problems, such as transport (e.g. Ring & Ride);
• Provide support for up to 3-4 months of weekly sessions (time may vary);
• Help the group and individuals plan how to continue independently;

Activities meet older people’s particular needs; for example, they:

• challenge the mind and help to strengthen the body;
  
• take place at convenient times during the day and in accessible venues;
• are in small, friendly groups, so that everyone can take part;
• involve everyone in sharing their skills and interests;
• provide something to think about and develop at home;
• introduce professional artists and creative people to inspire independent activity;
• help people relax and have fun together.

Activities are as varied as people’s enthusiasm; examples (so far!) include:

• Painting, sketching and drawing, with visits to an art gallery
  
• Writing, poetry, reminiscence
• Producing booklets, calendars, Christmas cards
• Recording memories and stories on tape and CD
• Local history, oral history, family records and archives
• Museum visits, and memories of the Second World War
• Making and exploring music, singing, playing the piano
• Pottery, modelling clay figures, mosaic ties and murals
• Photography and using instant cameras
• Learning or reviving crafts such as quilting, weaving and felt-making
• Tai Chi and gentle movement
• Card games and board games
• Learning to cook at 90
• Working with wood
• Walking and talking
• Many activities culminate in a practical product such as a booklet, calendar, quilt or CD (see Work in Progress).