Seniors program for laughter and friendship
Becoming older brings many life changes, but for sisters, Dinah, 85, and Sheila, 84, staying socially active and engaged in the community has been key to maintaining a purposeful and thriving life.
Both sisters joined Gateways Support Services Prime Movers Program – a weekly recreation and social program to support people who are frail aged or have dementia – in 2019, and haven’t looked back.
‘I’m having a ball. Every time we go somewhere different, it has been so lovely,’ says Dinah.
Following the death of her husband, Sheila was keen get back out into the community and meet new people, and invited Dinah along too.
‘Sheila joined first, because she was a bit lonely, you know, and I wasn’t sure if it would be my cup of tea, but I have loved it,’ Dinah says.
As people age, their social networks outside of immediate family can often weaken and become more infrequent, which can create feelings of isolation and loneliness. Programs like Prime Movers are vital for providing seniors with the opportunity to participate in meaningful group–based social and leisure activities.
Team Leader, Debra, refers to the Prime Movers as the ‘Golden Oldies’ and says the social group has become quite adventurous, trying new activities – from movies and picnics to 10 pin bowling – and exploring a variety of places in Melbourne and its surrounds.
‘There is nothing to say if you’re a senior or a young person that there are things you can’t do – the age is irrelevant,’ says Debra.
‘A lot of the seniors can be isolated at home, so getting out in to a program and meeting other people really brings them out of their shell and it is something that they look forward to.’
The isolation was a particular issue during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with the sisters among many senior participants eager to resume their much-loved weekly outings.
Dinah credits the enjoyment of the group to team leader, Debra, and her caring nature.
‘Debra is a lovely person. She takes such good care of us all and nothing is ever any trouble to her,’ says Dinah.
Having loved the program themselves, Dinah and Sheila are trying to convince their older sister, 91, to come along too.
‘I said that’s okay, we can use the wheelchair. We can do whatever we need to do,’ says Debra.
Debra says the ‘Golden Oldies’ have forged friendships with each other, and their days together are filled with laughter.
‘One of our participants, Jack, was the only man on the outing the other day, so I asked him how he copes with all the ladies and he said, ‘I turn my hearing aids off’, Debra says, laughing.
Find out more about Prime Movers and our Individual Support for Seniors.
