This July, seniors revisited their carnival days with a dose of nostalgia.
One of our Pennsylvania centers, Mercy LIFE, held an all-day event complete with balloon animals, a spinning wheel and more.
Recreational Therapist Monica Hernandez de Paz said the idea to plan the carnival came after a conversation with her recreation therapy colleagues Emily and Maria.
On the day of the carnival, participants entered a fully decorated dining room with carnival music playing and the entire center was set up with games and activities. Monica said the staff got the participants excited from the beginning, pumping up the event before the big day. Two news stations came out to cover the event causing even more excitement.
Everyone enjoyed the day and interacted the most Monica had seen with any other games they had planned in the past. She said every department pitched in to pull it off including the physical therapists creating activities in the room typically used for rehab exercises. A highlight for the participants was the chance to win prizes.
"They love getting prizes, like key chains and plushies. They have been wearing prizes on their backpacks and bragging about how they won them. The craft area showed participants how to create their own balloon art. Some were a little nervous to try, but the balloon art was a big hit! A lot of them wore their balloon hats and took them home," Monica said.
Other activities included bowling, fishing from a blow-up pool, a photo booth, and the classic carnival snack cotton candy!
The day was a hit, but the cotton candy stood out as a big memory maker. The delicious treat was a staple for participants.
"I kept hearing participants say, 'I have not had cotton candy in SO LONG!' The most nostalgic moment was the cotton candy," Monica said.
Aside from the joy of revisiting summer memories, activities like these offer many potential health benefits to seniors.
- Group activities help boost social connections and increase interactions. Shared stories and memories among seniors can build a special bond and help them experience a sense of belonging.
- Sounds, smells, activities – different things that spark memories and help seniors reminisce can strengthen cognitive function.
- Remembering happy times can help seniors deal with life changes as they age. Looking back can offer a sense of security and comfort.
Whether it is special events, crafts, or dance classes, each of our centers offer recreational activities designed for sharper minds, social connections and joyful moments.
Recreational therapy is a core part of our care model across Trinity Health PACE and integrated with medical and social support services. Learn how our participants experience full-circle care as we treat the whole person, in mind, body, and spirit.
Recreational Therapist Monica Hernandez de Paz