Silver lining in a box

Before the lockdown, EHA sessions would include music and aroma therapies, and tools like fidget blankets and bubble wrap sheets as part of sensory activities

Significant research was done in elder care homes in the UK, where it was revealed that residents spent most of their time in isolation, and had a total of only two minutes of engagement in a week with others. That study also shared that if this is increased to 10 minutes per day, adding up to an hour a week, it would help in their wellbeing," shares Amrita Patil, founder of Echoing Healthy Ageing (EHA).

Group engagement sessions in pre-pandemic time with senior citizens

Tactile is key
Since 2013, Patil and her team at this social enterprise have been working closely with Mumbai's senior citizens, organising cognitive stimulation programmes that specially focus on their mental, emotional and social wellbeing. These curated therapeutic sessions, almost 150 per month, for older adults (58 years and above) were offered for individuals living with Alzheimer's, Parkinsonism, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and other neurological impairments that are prevalent in old age. "Before the lockdown, we held sessions in partnership with Jeeva Centre near Breach Candy, at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, and did home visits. But the lockdown changed everything. Family members began to reach out that their seniors were missing these sessions, that the impairment had increased, and if there was a way out of the scenario."

Research reveals that engaging in a higher number of mentally stimulating activities, particularly in late life, is associated with a decreased risk of mild cognitive impairment

The Brain Bridge kit (Rs 1,200), launched during Diwali, contains material curated by a trained psychologist for older adults (58-plus) and focuses on memory, attention, language, reasoning and planning. The box includes cognitive worksheets and games as well as art activities that are hand-picked by an art therapist. Patil suggests mixing things up for maximum benefit, "For example, set Mondays for worksheets, Wednesdays for puzzles and end the week with art. Set 30 to 60 minutes every alternate day to do the activities."

Amrita Patil

EHA encourages other family members to participate in these activities, too. If not, the senior members should try to team up with a friend over video chat or the phone. Their feedback revealed a deep sense of attachment, and of being active while working with the kit. "We will launch a monthly subscription series and introduce it in regional languages, starting with Marathi. We've already received requests from Gurugram, Baroda, Nashik and Palghar, apart from within Mumbai. We plan to reach out to corporate houses to support elder care centres with these kits as part of their CSR initiatives," shares Patil.

EHA has also been training individuals in Palghar, Dahanu and Kelwa to use these kits and become caregivers for seniors; it's a win-win since it will empower them with jobs and also cater to the increasing need for trained staff in the caregiving sector.

Acknowledge, address
"The lockdown has been harsh on seniors; their vulnerability due to the confinement has led to deterioration in a few months," Patil rues. While she and her team continued with online sessions for individuals and support groups during the pandemic, she reveals that some families have now opened their homes to them because of this sharp nosedive in their mental health needs. "Brain exercises have to be as regular as physical exercises," she adds.

Arvind Madhao Chaudhari

"Often, we get calls where families have lost hope after they've learnt that a senior member is in an advanced stage of dementia or another neurological condition. We convince them through videos that it is possible for them to favourably respond to sensory activities. For any improvement, the family must be part of this journey. Such conditions are a normal part of ageing but if guidance is not proper or absent, signs are ignored. I feel society is not fully open to disclose such diagnosis to their extended families. Worse, caregivers end up feeling isolated," she elaborates.

But now, things are improving, she assures. Even doctors suggest solutions and support, especially to caregivers who she calls ‘the champions' in this fight. "Care is a triangle that involves senior citizens, healthcare professionals and family members. When the three work together, all-round cognitive development of the elderly is possible," she signs off.

Test drive
We shared the Brain Bridge activity box (medium) with Thane resident Arvind Madhao Chaudhari, an 82-year-old who is a yoga practitioner, and likes reading autobiographies and books on spirituality.

Elements of the kit include puzzles and doll-painting

Here's his report card

Ease of instructions: The language and instructions were easy to follow. Because of that, I could do it in normal time.

Knowledge: Nothing in the box was new. I play puzzles on my phone. I paint, but yes, painting of dolls was the favourite part of the kit. I found the process innovative and entertaining.

Positives: During the lockdown, I felt isolated and my mind was filled with worries of the past, plus anxiety of the future. This kit inspired me, brought me excitement. It will help others of my age as well.

Suggestions: The painting objects should be slightly bigger or made with a square or flat surface that is easy to hold. The photos for the puzzles should be a bit simpler. If photos in the jigsaw puzzle are complicated, it will help if the blocks are bigger. Question and answers-type puzzles should be avoided; at our age we don't want to stress the brain too much. A crossword will be a nice addition.

Log on to: echoinghealthyageing.com
To buy the activity box (easy, medium, hard): pages.razorpay.com/brainbridge; Echoing Healthy Ageing on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube
Call: 9867832665