Fun, Friendship & Focus: A Community OT Session at Golau Caredig

Today’s session at Golau Caredig in Barry brought together a lively group of 10 older adults, with a wonderful mix of residents and local visitors. These inclusive sessions are open to all, and offer a blend of fun, social interaction, and occupational therapy-led purpose.

🎾 Getting to Know You

We began with a playful “Getting to Know You” ball game – a beach ball covered in conversation starters like “What’s your favourite holiday?” and “What’s your go-to meal?” Participants tossed the ball around and answered whatever question was under their hand — a brilliant way to build new connections and shared laughter in a relaxed way.

🐘 Endangered Animal Bingo

Next up: Endangered Animal Bingo! As we called out each animal, participants placed colourful markers over their bingo cards. Prizes were given for both a line and a full house – and spirits were high throughout!

This light-hearted activity sparked conversations about wildlife, travel, and even family pets — showing how a simple game can unlock meaningful stories.

🧠 Why It Matters: The OT Benefits

Occupational therapy supports people to live meaningful lives through purposeful activity. Today’s session delivered key therapeutic outcomes:

✅ Social connection

➡ Group-based activity can reduce social isolation and loneliness by up to 50% (NICE, 2019)

➡ Regular social engagement lowers the risk of cognitive decline by up to 60% (Holwerda et al., 2014)

✅ Cognitive stimulation

➡ Games like bingo activate memory, concentration, and reaction speed➡ Multi-sensory group activities help maintain mental sharpness, especially in older age (WHO, 2015)

✅ Emotional wellbeing

➡ Community arts and games improve mood in 73% of older participants (Mental Health Foundation, 2011)

➡ Fun, structured activities increase self-esteem and life satisfaction (AOTA, 2020)

✅ Purpose & inclusion

➡ Activities open to all break down barriers, helping older adults remain connected to their community and identity

🎶 Coming Next: Musical Bingo!

Back by popular request!

📅 Wednesday 11th June

🕜 13:30 – 15:00

📍 Golau Caredig, Barry

✨ Everyone welcome – bring a friend and join the fun!

We’re passionate about delivering sessions that are enjoyable and empowering. Today was proof that when people laugh, share, and play — health and happiness follow. 💛

References:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2019. Loneliness in older people: Interventions.

• Holwerda, T. J. et al. (2014). Feelings of loneliness, but not social isolation, predict dementia onset. JNNP, 85(2), 135–142.

• Mental Health Foundation (2011). An evidence review of the impact of participatory arts on older people.

• World Health Organization (2015). World Report on Ageing and Health.

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2020. Promoting Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults.