At Radius Care, we regularly introduce residents to activities they may never have tried before. Someone might pick up a paintbrush for the first time, join a music session or have a go at a game they’ve only ever watched other people play.

There’s a reason we make room for new experiences. Trying something unfamiliar asks us to pay attention, make choices and work things out as we go. When we do it with others, we also get to talk, listen and share a laugh. Those are all valuable ways to stay mentally and socially engaged.

And you don’t have to be good at any of it.

Why trying something new matters

It’s easy to associate mental activity with crosswords and quizzes. They’re great if you enjoy them, but curiosity takes many forms. Following a recipe, learning the rules of a game, working with a new material or remembering the next line of a song can all give us something different to think about.

University of Auckland ageing researcher Professor Ngaire Kerse says activities we enjoy can support confidence and wellbeing, while social activities draw on skills such as listening, processing language and responding to others. The combination is one reason Alzheimers NZ encourages people to keep learning, stay involved and do things they enjoy.

That thinking shapes how we plan activities at Radius Care. A painting session may offer a creative challenge and a chance to chat with the person beside you. A group game can bring problem solving, movement and a bit of friendly competition. An outing introduces a change of scene and new things to notice and discuss. The activities are enjoyable in their own right; the opportunities to think, connect and participate are part of their value.

There’s no shame in being a beginner

Trying something for the first time can feel daunting, whether you’re 18 or 80. You might not know the rules. Your painting might look nothing like you intended. You might discover that bowls is harder than it looks on television.

That’s fine. At Radius Care, joining in isn’t a test. Residents can try an activity, watch for a while, ask for a hand or decide it’s not for them. Our Diversional Therapists and activity teams get to know each resident’s interests and adapt activities to suit the person, so taking part feels inviting rather than pressured.

We make space for familiar favourites, too. The keen gardener should still get their hands in the soil, and the lifelong music lover should still hear the songs they love. Introducing something new adds another possibility: the chance to discover an interest you didn’t know you had.

Perhaps you’ll turn out to be brilliant at it. Perhaps you’ll have a good laugh and never do it again. Either way, having the choice to give it a go matters.

 

Looking for aged care services that support cognitive health and overall wellbeing? Contact us to learn more about our person-centred programmes designed to help our residents thrive.