The Carl Mortensen Manor Auditorium in Burnaby recently hosted an inaugural ping pong tournament for residents of four Lower Mainland long-term care homes. Despite the sounds of cheers and excitement, most of the participants were over the age of 90. The idea for the tournament originated when organizers noticed how much the seniors enjoyed playing ping pong during seniors’ week at Dania Home. They reached out to other long-term care homes, and four decided to participate. Leslie Torresan, recreation consultant at Dania Home, explained that the tournament was a way to break up the routine for residents and give them something to look forward to.
Thirty-two participants from the four homes took part in the event, with 99-year-old Flemming Christiansen emphasizing the importance of trying new things. The Dania Home Society even purchased a trophy for the tournament, which was ultimately won by the team from Normanna Care Home. Torresan expressed her desire for the tournament to become an annual event, highlighting the success in bringing residents together and providing an opportunity for fun and socializing. One resident, 83-year-old Joan Royale, encouraged viewers not to give up on activities and to stay as active as possible, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged and enjoying life, regardless of age.
The tournament was a unique and lively event that showcased the spirit and enthusiasm of the elderly participants. Despite initial doubts, many residents found joy and camaraderie in playing ping pong with their peers. Torresan emphasized the importance of offering residents opportunities to break out of their daily routines and engage in activities that bring them joy and excitement. The success of the tournament demonstrated the positive impact of such events on the overall well-being and quality of life for seniors living in long-term care homes.
The tournament not only provided a fun and competitive outlet for the residents but also highlighted the importance of staying active and engaged in later years. Participants like Flemming Christiansen reminded others of the value of trying new things and not giving up on activities based on age. The event served as a reminder that age should not be a barrier to participating in social and physical activities that bring joy and fulfillment. The tournament also reinforced the idea that seniors have much to offer in terms of spirit, resilience, and sense of community, regardless of age or physical ability.
The success of the tournament and the positive feedback from participants and organizers showcased the significant impact of providing meaningful and engaging activities for seniors in long-term care homes. The event served as a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for socialization, fun, and personal growth for older adults. By encouraging residents to participate in activities like ping pong tournaments, long-term care homes can contribute to a sense of community, camaraderie, and purpose for their residents. The tournament’s lasting impact on participants and organizers alike underscores the value of investing in activities that promote overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in care facilities.
