Tagtiv8 - an Active Aging Intervention
We are accustomed to playing in PE halls, in classrooms and on the playground. In theory, a library is not a location we would usually consider appropriate for our active learning games. Running and jumping around does not mix well with delicate, sometimes old books and shushing librarians. However, our versatility means we can adapt our games to suit the environment and individual needs of the learners.
Case Study
At Crossgates Library in Leeds, Tagtiv8 teamed up with Leeds Beckett University to deliver an active learning session. Why was it adapted? Tagtiv8 are used to working with school children. This time though, the participants were slightly older than those in Key Stage 3.
The 'Test & Learn' session was used to consider how Tagtiv8 games can potentially benefit older people. And it appears active learning works on many levels! We adapted games usually played by primary age children and based them on our 4 Cs:
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Collect the tags during various Physical Challenges
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Connect with other participants to connect the tags
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Communicate ideas with other participants
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Create solutions to the Thinking Challenges
With our 'less is more' ethos, the participants simply collected letters to create words related to location, i.e. places where:
- they were born
- they visited on holiday
- their children and grandchildren were now living
The movement and friendly competition was fun. The two gentlemen insisting on doing handshakes instead of High Fives definitely amused the others. However, as our friends at Move & Learn say, "It's as much about the learning as it is about the movement." The conversations really were joyful - there were certainly some 'wobbly chin' moments. Similar results happened when the participants collected letters to create names of musicians and song titles - with a few impromptu renditions of songs by Nat King Cole.
“From my point of view, I felt it was a fantastic activity that addressed physical, mental and social stimulation. From a physiotherapist’s point of view, the physical activity was relevant in challenging strength and balance and therefore addresses falls risk. It was inclusive, interactive and fun. I loved it.”
Mary Tyrrell Place, Proactive Care Physiotherapist
“It was fantastic to see an element of competition with some individuals even jogging! And repeatedly getting up and out of their seat in quick succession - surely building their own confidence in their own functional capacity.”
Dr Victoria Archbold, Senior Lecturer, Leeds Beckett University.
The session was co-delivered with Year 3 students from LBU's Carnegie School of Sport and Sport & Exercise Science courses, thus ensuring there was a truly inter-generational approach. Watching the communication between the students and participants was wonderful. The rapport meant that everybody left with smiles on their faces. They had tried something new - “a game that was better than Scrabble” apparently!
Key Benefits
It’s proven that people with dementia are better at remembering, retaining information and are happier when mentally stimulated. It would seem that Tagtiv8 ticks many boxes:
- Cognitive improvement: Studies show that regular exercise can lead to better memory, thinking speed, and attention, potentially slowing cognitive decline associated with dementia.
- Reduced risk of falls: Exercise can enhance muscle strength and balance, lowering the likelihood of falls which can be a significant concern for people with dementia.
- Mood regulation: Physical activity is known to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can be prevalent in individuals with dementia.
- Improved sleep quality: Regular exercise can promote better sleep patterns, which are often disrupted in people with dementia.
- Social interaction: Participating in group exercise activities can provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement, which can be beneficial for people with dementia.
- Maintaining functional independence: Exercise can help people with dementia maintain their ability to perform daily activities for longer.
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Potential for disease modification: Research suggests that physical activity may have a neuroprotective effect, potentially slowing the progression of dementia by promoting brain cell growth and improving blood flow.
Moving Forwards
Contact us:
- hello@tagtiv8.com
- +44 7506 523354
We would love to work and play with you - whatever your age.