The Happy Chatters from Thornhill Manor Retirement Village kicked off the new year with a day full of fun, games and camaraderie.
Karen Griesel, Thornhill Manor’s social worker, explained that as we age, hand-eye co-ordination often decreases.
“Reflexes, speed and accuracy tend to decline, possibly due to vision changes, health issues or shifts in brain wiring,” she says.
But while the Happy Chatters enjoyed their lively games and shared plenty of laughs, these activities served a deeper purpose too – helping to maintain vital skills for daily living.
“Hand-eye co-ordination is essential for independence because it relies on the information your eyes take in and how your brain directs your arms and hands,” Karen explains.
Residents took part in games like floor darts, bowling and shuttlecock toss, all of which involve catching and throwing exercises that strengthen reactive balance.
“Reactive balance – the ability to maintain stability when faced with unexpected challenges – is key. It allows us to counteract external forces that could throw us off balance,” says Karen.
She says that timely balance reactions, such as reactive stepping, are critical for preventing falls. “These reactions are vital for maintaining stability and avoiding injuries,” she adds.
Joan Wilkins gives it her best shot, aiming to get the shuttlecock into the cup.
Marina Sartor joins in the fun, aiming to toss a shuttlecock into a cup, with caregiver Margareth Magodi lending a hand.
Marina Sartor focuses on knocking down the skittles, assisted by caregiver Margareth Magodi.
Joan Wilkins has a go at toppling the skittles.
Margot Taverner-Smith and Joan England practise their catching skills, with caregiver Margareth Magodi enjoying the lively scene.
