You might remember that back in April, my church was amalgamated with a few others. Like all amalgamations there was shuffling of roles and I became the
Before I was involved, the activities of the group have included various crafts, games and outings at different times but as a non-crafty, poor game player I have tended to focus on conversation and I have never been sure that my style is what people want or expect.
Yesterday, I saw an opportunity for something different and I bought a handful of generic type greeting cards. I thought everyone could write a card to somebody while they chatted over cups of tea and this morning I was excited to present something different. I got the cards out and spread them across the table so people could easily choose from the selection. I put out pens for everyone and talked briefly about my idea.
You know what happened? they looked at the cards, said it was a nice idea, chose their favourite from the pile and then proceeded to explain why they were all going to take the cards home to write in!
Then they looked to me to find out what we would talk about next!
I feel your pain! One word__Bingo!
ReplyDeletewhy did I never think of that!
DeleteThanks :)
It seems that your focus on conversation was JUST what they wanted. Take a bow.
ReplyDeleteIt was a happy accident :)
DeleteHaha, well actually finding the right words to write in a greeting card is always really hard. It seems like it was all a bit too much effort! The group for seniors my mother attended played board games, and had some sort of speaker.
ReplyDeleteMy sister called me "naive" and she was probably right!
DeleteBoard games might work and we have had speakers sometimes
You among the Senior group, because they think that you are one too? You should have asked them to play dumb charades.
ReplyDeletelol! I'm not old enough but I am available. Charades would work!
DeleteSounds like oldies are like computers - always have a backup!
ReplyDeleteIn the event that I run out of ideas there is always someone with a long story to tell :)
DeleteTry Bingo. That's what the ancient ones like.
ReplyDeletenoted!
DeleteI'm not at all religious, but how many churches are there?
ReplyDeletefour churches joined to become one. Unfortunately nobody from the other three churches has joined the seniors group so we still have the same group we did before the amalgamation
DeleteI guess they were all a bit nervous about being put on the spot and having to conjure up some appropriate messages! I think I would be. Oh well, it was a good try. They were just too inhibited.
ReplyDeleteI just have to live and learn, Nick!
DeleteThey may have regretted it when I decided to read to them :)
All the old people in my life become animated when talking about World War II. I know..... but I guess it does figure as a huge part of their lives.
ReplyDeleteSx
One of my ladies had a film made about her experience of WW2!
DeleteI've never been a joiner of social groups although I think they play an incredibly important role for those who either like groups or face loneliness. I write notes and cards and letters to people all the time but I'd struggle to do it to order and under the gaze of others. I dislike charades although I'd play it now if I had to (I would not have done so in early life). Board games can be fun but NOT Monopoly which is the most boring game ever invented. I say all that to demonstrate how different we can all be. If I was in the group and you suggested card games like Chase The Ace or Newmarket or some other lively one where lots of laughter can be had, then I'd be delighted.
ReplyDeleteI think the consensus is the card idea was not going to work! Oh well, worse things have happened. Fun card games is a good idea :)
DeleteI would not have wanted to write a card in a group and chatting and having tea, especially to someone I knew. If we were all writing cards to soldiers, I could do it in public with talking. However, I would not join in conversation while I wrote.
ReplyDeleteOn the internet are books for directors of activities for the elderly. I am quite sure there are free sites on the internet.
As for talking subjects for them: food from a leaner time like Depression, war, living in another place. Everyone likes to talk food and hunger in their lives.
Bingo would be good. Monopoly is not a boring game, but I would not bring it out for seniors. How many people are in this group? Male and female?
Don't worry. I have had things go horribly wrong. Pick out one easy and interesting subject/thing and don't use it. Keep it for backup.
Linda,
DeleteI have looked for ideas on Pinterest but most of them seem lame! maybe I am looking at the wrong things.
We usually have about 6-8 people, men are welcome but it's only women these days since the last man went to a nursing home. Food and shopping are always popular topics of conversation.
Would it work to read a short story /essay/article aloud to them and then have a chat about it? JanF
ReplyDeleteHello JanF!
DeleteWelcome to eclectica.
We do sometimes read something out and have a chat and it's very popular :)