Self Organizing - Puzzle with the Elderly

Overview
Working puzzles and playing games with senior citizens can stimulate the mind, hone problem-solving skills and increase retention rates. This service project could give the elderly a chance of maintaining a stable mind and holding on to the memories that could be lost through time.

Supporting Organizations

Hospitals
Nursing Homes
Senior centers
Faith-based organizations (e.g., church, synagogue, temple)

Materials

Mind stimulating games

Instructions

Identify a location where you can play memory-strengthening games with the elderly.
Find games to share with the elderly. Examples include crosswords, traditional board and card games, or dominoes.
Visit the elderly and play some of the games with them as a fun way to help keep their minds sharp.
Donate the games to the seniors or commit to coming to play with them again.

Additional Service Learning Resources

Games to play with the elderly: http://www.ehow.com/way_5491370_information-games-play-seniors.html
Preventing Alzheimer’s with games: http://buffalogamebuffsblog.com/2007/08/29/play-board-games-have-fun-and-prevent-alzheimers/

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience – to think about what you did, what you learned from it, and the impact it had. Here are some suggested activities:

Tell your family and friends about something you learned and if/how you will continue to help others.
Draw a picture, write a poem or create a jingle about the service activity.
Write about your experience on your blog, FaceBook or Twitter.
Write a letter to the editor to discuss your experience and encourage others to serve.
If you’re working with a group of volunteers to do this project, lead a group discussion with questions such as:

Why did you volunteer today?
What did you learn about the elderly, games or helping others?
What is one thing you will remember most about this service activity?
How can you continue to make a difference in our community?