Results of a new study on the brain confirm what many of us perhaps instinctively know: being lonely isn’t good for your mental or memory health – especially if you are a senior.
A McGill University-affiliated institute, called the Neuro, found that seniors experiencing loneliness are more likely to ultimately have their brains wired differently, resulting in “internally-directed thoughts such as reminiscing or imagining social experiences”. Researchers go on to summarize that “loneliness is increasingly being recognized as a major health problem.”
Meanwhile, the pandemic has exacerbated the problem for some seniors in facilities. Healthcare workers specializing in elder care are faced with new challenges around how to get specialized training in activities for seniors when many program practicums have been cancelled or curtailed, given ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
However, one program is making a difference by embracing technology in a new way. North Island College’s Activity Assistant Program, which offers comprehensive recreational training for caregivers working closely with seniors, recently went “live” online – meaning the program is delivered digitally using a zoom-like software. Activity aides master interactive and relevant activities and crafts to engage elder clients meaningfully – thereby combatting declining memory health.
The 4-month long, Board-certified program brings together a wide range of health care workers from all across BC, regardless of pandemic restrictions in regional care homes.
Deborah Provencher, the program instructor explains: “This digital teaching format helps students juggling demanding work schedules where facilities are often short-staffed, as well as eliminating costly commuting,” she says. “Students can instead focus on devoting their time to mastering the content that gets seniors engaged and healthy,” she explains.
Provencher is now working on a new micro-credential for healthcare workers interested in this area of study called Advanced Memory Care. Given the success of online learning so far, the new micro-credential will also be delivered digitally.
JULIAN BENEDICT, MLS, BA (Hons).
Activity Assistant Program Coordinator, North Island College
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