The Power of Engagement: How Recreational Activities Enhance Seniors' Lives at Fred Douglas Lodge

In a heartwarming scene at Fred Douglas Lodge, just after 10 a.m. on a recent Friday, a spirited senior with a grey-haired bob pedals away on a stationary bike designed for wheelchair users, humming to the festive tune of "O Holy Night." As a retired pianist, she eagerly requested a playlist filled with Christmas classics, showcasing how music and movement can meld into an uplifting experience. With the helpful aid of a rehabilitation assistant holding a portable speaker close to her ear, she engages both in workout and a cherished sing-along.

Tatiana Morcilla, the manager of resident experience at Fred Douglas Lodge, passionately believes that to thrive, one must remain active: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This philosophy drives the staff's commitment to promoting physical activity among residents, many of whom range in age from 54 to 105.

Physical health and cognitive function are critical components of wellness at the lodge, as seniors often face declining health upon their entry into such facilities. Although residents may have concluded their formal education long ago, lifelong learning remains a daily pursuit, infused through various recreational activities like trivia games, church services, and the ever-popular pool-noodle hockey. "Recreation is often overlooked, yet it plays a pivotal role in the well-being of seniors,” emphasizes Stephanie Chesser, a research affiliate with the University of Manitoba Centre on Aging.

Unfortunately, recent data reveals that physical performance among long-term care residents within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority falls below national averages. Following the pandemic, many facilities experienced a notable drop in performance, with recovery still underway. Alarmingly, over 25% of the senior population is now deemed "at risk of frailty," according to health records.

The pandemic served as a crucial reminder of the importance of recreational programs. During lockdowns, many recreation staff members were forced to pivot their focus from leisure activities to facilitating virtual connections between residents and their loved ones. “Recreation is essential in long-term care," Chesser insists, likening those involved in these programs to “creative superheroes.”

At Fred Douglas Lodge, cultural education is interwoven into the fabric of recreational activities. Interactions with Indigenous elders provide residents with insights into critical social issues, such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In anticipation of such events, seniors have engaged in cultural traditions—like crafting drums from everyday materials and learning to make bannock, enhancing both their cultural understanding and sense of community.

Alma Lubos, a clinical educator at Deer Lodge Centre, highlights the multifaceted nature of education in long-term care. Education extends to not just residents but also family members and staff, encompassing essential training on nutrition, exercise, and social engagement. Lubos notes the ongoing push to ensure that all individuals within the facility, from caregivers to visitors, are well-versed in hygiene protocols and responsive healthcare practices.

As families of residents cope with the effects of aging and health challenges, Fred Douglas Lodge provides regular sessions on essential topics such as advanced care planning and the responsibilities of executors. By fostering an environment of learning and support, they empower both residents and their loved ones to navigate the complexities of senior living.

Ray Ricard, a resident since six weeks before the COVID-19 lockdowns in Manitoba, reflects on finding purpose in his new home. He serves as co-chair of the residents council and revels in the simple joy of participating in bingo—his favorite twice-a-week pastime. His story encapsulates how community and engagement can bring vitality to life within long-term care facilities.

Ultimately, as nuanced training and empathetic caregiving practices evolve within long-term care centers like Fred Douglas Lodge, the focus remains on enhancing the quality of life for their residents. “We care for individuals who were once productive members of society,” Lubos asserts, reminding her team of the dignity and respect that everyone deserves, regardless of their circumstances.

Through dedication to recreation, education, and community connection, seniors at Fred Douglas Lodge find joy and engagement in their later years—a testament to the enduring need for relationship-building and active living as we age.