2nd Session
Overall, this module was pretty interesting and enjoyable. The music therapy activity allowed us to get to know different types of music and think more about what the music can be used for. For example, relaxing music can not only be used for sleeping but also for waking up. Energetic music can also be used when working out. The second activity involved reading six articles. We felt that it was very beneficial to us because it helped us understand more about how to care for the elderly’s health. One example was the article about steps that can be taken to prevent the elderly from falling, such as installing bars in bathrooms for the elderly to grip. During the nature therapy activity, we were told to close our eyes and listen to the sounds emitting from the video. The sounds from the first video were very chaotic and it made us feel irritated, whereas the sounds from the second video were relaxing and peaceful, causing us to feel calm. It was then revealed later that the first video showed the usual busy streets, with cars honking on the roads, while the second video showed a forest, with birds chirping and water gushing. Through this activity, we learnt that with urbanisation, more people are suffering from anxiety and stress due to the noise. We also learnt that nature helps people to relax and it serves as medication for depression. The last station, aroma therapy, taught us the benefits of different smells. For example, certain scents can calm us down and help us sleep better. Generally, this module was enriching but not very useful.
1st Session
During the health module, the instructor used Kahoot! to entertain and quiz us on the different health related problems that elderly face as they age. We learnt that most elderly feel pain in their lower backs, joints, and necks. Many are also suffering from osteoarthritis. Overall, this module is helpful in planning out our model, as we originally planned to create something that counters the health related problems elderly face. However, we later decided to create a prototype that provides ease and convenience to the elderly. From this module, we learnt that not many elderly actually experience dementia, so we have decided that our prototype should cater to the general elderly population, and not just the demented elderly. Hence, we thought that the purpose of our model should not be to remind the elderly to take their medicine but to allow them to do so more easily.
