Care home residents are celebrating living life to the full in a new film released by Parklands Care Homes to mark International Day of Older Persons (1 October).
‘Still Game’ brings together residents from Parklands homes in Moray, the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, as they talk about their interests and activities.
The film features everything from cycling, walking and dancing to painting and music.
Ninety-year-old Margaret Douglas, a resident at Wakefield House in Cullen, features in the film after climbing Castle Hill earlier this year, raising more than £1,100 for mental health charity Feeling Blue.
Margaret said, “It was very fulfilling and I really enjoyed it. It was an achievement that I never thought I would ever be able to do. I suppose it maybe showed other people that at 90 you can do a lot more than you think, because I never ever thought that I would climb Castle Hill and make all the money that we made.”
Resident Pat Bell, from Parklands in Buckie, is filmed enjoying trips out on the home’s e-bike.
Pat said, “It’s terrific, getting out and see the world, seeing what’s going on. The fresh air, exhilarating.”
At Pittyvaich in Inverness, Iain Ritchie keeps active on an exercise bike.
Iain said, “When we go to these exercises here, they are so beneficial. I always feel slightly better afterwards.”
At Eilean Dubh in Fortrose, Margaret Craighead has enjoyed painting since childhood.
“Margaret said, “I did art at school and enjoyed that. That was the highlight of my school life. Years later, I’m still enjoying it.”
The film also visits Deveron Way in Huntly, where resident Mabel Simpson talks about her love of dancing and the difference life at the home has made to her.
Mabel said, “Since I came here, I’ve changed mentally. I’m enjoying life better now than what I ever did. I’ve always loved dancing and I still do. I’ve been told I’m too old. I say I’m enjoying myself. That’s the most important thing in life at my age.”
At Glenisla in Keith, Morag Macintyre continues to enjoy playing the piano, often joined for a duet by carer Kenna Johnston, while 90-year-old Jimmy Petrie still plays the accordion, which he learned as a teenager.
Morag said, “I have the piano, and that’s a blessing. It’s solace for me. I feel I’m lucky. Time goes on and you make the most of it. You’ve got to, because you never know what lies ahead.”
Jimmy added, “I’ve been playing it since my late teens. What I like most about it is when I’m playing to people. It’s a good instrument to play.”
The film also celebrates the care and wellbeing staff who help residents live life to the full.
Glenisla Carer, Kenna Johnston said, “The fact that Morag and Jimmy have still got those amazing capabilities, it really just wows you.”
Deveron Way Wellbeing Coordinator, James Hayes, said, “I’m proud of the difference that I can make to the residents here. It is such a fantastic job. I quite often say it’s the best job that I have ever had because you just get to make people smile all day.”
Fiona Stoddart, Wellbeing Coordinator at Eilean Dubh, added, “Our residents enjoy the fun and they enjoy laughter, they enjoy music. It’s really important in their day that they meet up in a group and it’s a chance for them to meet new friends. Our residents are very much still game.”
You can watch the video at tinyurl.com/StillGameParklands.