Developing therapeutic activity programmes within day centres for elderly persons in Malta

Abstract

The continued participation in the community is an important aspect in the life of the elderly, who should therefore be able to enjoy a life of self-fulfilment, achievement and feel integrated in society. The aim of the Day Centres for the elderly persons, apart from helping the elderly to meet and interact, is to encourage participation in the decision-making process of planning and implementing various Activities Programmes within these Day Centres. Therapeutic Activities held at the Day Centres of Zejtun, Hamrun, Dingli and Qormi were given considerable importance throughout this long essay, as this was the purpose of this study. These activities, if well programmed, will enhance the elderly well-being, which includes socialisation, psychological support, peer activity and generation of initiatives. The hypothesis of this study is an analysis of these activities held at the Day Centres, which lead towards monitoring appropriate activities for the elderly persons. Finally, this study has shown that, although therapeutic activities are being organised in these Day Centres, there needs to be a more balanced Activity Programme, which includes physical, educational, social and creative activities.