THE USE OF OCCUPATIONS TO CHALLENGE PERCEPTIONS OF AGE AT A SENIOR CAMP

Background: Senior camps have been established with the purpose to decrease social exclusion and improve health amongst elderly people. These senior camps build on notions of what it means to age and to ”be old” in... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Senior camps have been established with the purpose to decrease social exclusion and improve health amongst elderly people. These senior camps build on notions of what it means to age and to ”be old” in relation to functional abilities, activity, participation and health.

Method:
Eight persons who participated in a senior camp were interviewed in their homes before and after the stay. The data was analysed using a narrative case-centred approach.

Results:
Seniors going to the camp were looking forward to meet friends and do things they did not commonly do. The pace at the camp, just being and not doing much, was appreciated by some while others whished for more organized activities. Being together with others, including eating together, talking and even sharing rooms was appreciated. Being close to nature was described to contribute both to peace of mind and to become spirited and strong, feelings that persisted after returning home. Being at a camp close to nature and the serving of traditional food was linked to memories from the childhood.

Conclusion:
Occupations were used both to consolidate and to challenge perceptions of age at the camp. The stay contributed to a feeling of belonging and experiences of doing during the camp and being in nature influenced the participants’ everyday life.

Application to Practice:
The experience of pace and place at the camp was important for a successful stay that could contribute to wellbeing. This presentation will elaborate on how occupations were used to challenge perceptions of age.