Perceptions of mentally stimulating activities amongst older persons in a residential facility

Abstract

Mental Stimulating Activities include nonphysical activities that stimulate and enhance the thinking process in the brain through psychosocial mechanisms (Berg, 2008; Jenkins, Pienta, & Horgas, 2002). The aim of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine views amongst residential older adults regards mental stimulating activities organized in this local facility they live in. The study objectives included exploring the older adults' viewed benefits of mental stimulating activities. Moreover identifying the residents perceived barriers to participating for mental stimulating activities. Additionally this study explored ways to improve older adult's participation in the organized mental stimulating activities at the chosen facility. Data collection was sought through organizing face-to-face interviews with twelve purposely selected residents from the chosen facility. A semi structured-interview was utilized as the study tool attaining a 100% response rate. Both qualitative content analysis and quantitative descriptive statistics methods of data analysis were utilized. From the findings many mental stimulating activity benefits where elicited. The main benefits that came out from the findings were satisfaction, enjoyment, socialization and improved mental ability. On the other hand, barriers towards participation in mental stimulating activities were mentioned by the participants. Compromised mental and physical functions of older adults were perceived as the main inhibitors to participation in mental stimulating activities. Other inhibiting factors were related to organizational factors such as timing of events. Moreover, the main recommendations stated by the participants as to improve residents participation, were to increase promotion and widen the variety of activities to address better participants' preferences. A number of recommendations for practice, research and education were put forward. These included changes in the overall organization of mental stimulating activities, complimenting qualitative research with quantitative designs to address other issues related to this subject matter, and providing more education to residents and staff with regards to the advantages associated with mental stimulating activities.