On 22nd December 2017, we conducted the Christmas Craft Session which consists of the Massage Ball creation along with Acupressure session thereafter. This was in line with the market survey results that we have conducted earlier on regarding the seniors’ desire to bring home a practical craft item and also incorporating light movements into the activity after breakfast.
During the breakfast session, we constantly market the craft session (Massage Ball) that will be conducted later by showing them the samples. We also informed the seniors about the Massage Balls’ functions and benefits as we believe the benefits shared will appeal to the seniors when they realised that they can ease their body aches with it. Through this direct marketing effort, it has helped us in engaging 100% of the seniors that was present on that day.
Right after breakfast, we shifted the originally separated tables together to form a single row so that interaction opportunities between the seniors and senior volunteers are created. Previously, seniors were seated with their own social circle which reduced the interaction opportunity with someone beyond their table (both pictures are shown above). The rearrangement of the tables were done swiftly as the turn up rate for seniors were lower than average due to the holiday seasons and housekeeping duties. The turn up rate was 18 seniors and 6 senior volunteers.
We begin the session by checking that are seating arrangement are evenly spread with seniors and senior volunteers in between. Materials that will be used for the session are placed in the middle of the table. Sharmaine kickstarted the craft session by teaching the seniors how to create a massage ball step by step, with Shi En demonstrating certain steps to make the Massage Ball. However, we realised some seniors had difficulties following all the steps. Thus, we improvised on the spot for demonstration to be done for each step and getting the seniors to look at us first before they start making. This has also allowed us to have the time to walk around to assist others who lack behind even with the senior volunteers’ assistance.
Braiding was one of the process involved in the massage ball creation. The intention was not only to decorate the ball but more importantly, to create conversations among seniors when they provide assistance to each other when tying their respective braids since it would be difficult to tie their braids alone.
After everyone have successfully created their very own massage ball, Adalene took over the session by introducing the concept of Acupressure. She showed the seniors the steps to effectively use the massage ball to relieve body tensions and pains at the respective acupressure points on our shoulders, thighs and forearm. At the same time, Sharmaine and Shi En move around to assist seniors who were having difficulties finding their acupressure points.
As a whole, we can see that the engagement level was higher on that day as compared to the past sessions organised. Most of the seniors were enthusiastic in terms of asking questions and participating in the activity conducted. Moreover, we were able to hit 100% attendance from the breakfast session. After the session ended, a number of seniors also requested for additional materials to be brought home so that they can recreate the Massage Balls back home to share their knowledge. Through these indicators, we can identify the senior’s high interest level in the craft session we conducted.
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