In confinement and faced with the impossibility of organizing face-to-face sessions and activities, the Elderly Care team had to choose how to face this crisis: whether to reduce their activity and wait for the return to normality, or to discover innovative methods to adapt to the new and difficult circumstances.
We chose to continue. We chose to resist.
We chose to create a learning and interaction model, strongly betting on a catalogue of dynamic and creative initiatives for all seniors, according to their interests and needs, and promoting their connection with the outside world, through the use of digital media. Together and together, we had to look for new strategies, gain resilience, a spirit of renewal and adaptability, and never give up, even in the face of all difficulties.
We bet, in the first place, on an instant and simplified communication, depending on platforms such as social networks - YouTube, Skype, Zoom, among others - for the promotion of new activities. Because we have as a primary objective to invest in original and continuous education, reaching all age groups, and considering that it is essential to give older generations the possibility to continue to challenge, learn and participate in dynamic, challenging and stimulating (as this is what the idea of lifelong learning consists of), we created English classes for the senior members of the Ismaili community in Portugal, adopting a fully digital teaching model.
Motivated by an enormous desire to continue practicing and to take advantage of the duty of home retreat to explore personal interests, maintain high levels of productivity, and combat loneliness, seniors have adapted admirably to this new structure. The activities continued, now at a distance, but maintaining the pace of demanding work and promoting emotional, psychological and physical well-being.
Although the organization of events and programs through digital media was a novelty for the entire team, we managed to adapt quickly and efficiently.
Together with the English classes, we also created other initiatives to promote an active mind and body, betting on programs such as regular computer classes and gym classes. We invited speakers from around the world to address the most diverse topics of interest to senior Jamat members. They have become moments of comfort and learning, togetherness and companionship in the face of the challenges of the new times. Together, we created a “new normal”.
We continue with commitment to never give up, to continue to adapt to new realities, and to walk together towards a more optimistic future.
