When Hummingbird clients are doing things they love, there is joy and laughter to be found, regardless of how “well” the actual activity is being done.
While playing golf, at one hole Max shot a beautiful putt that put him below par. Our activity specialist happened to catch that hole on camera and Max declared, “Finally! The press catches the correct moment!”
Max had some excellent shots and some that hit trees. When one of the trees was hit, the ball dropped straight down, coming to rest near the trunk. When Max hit it next, he managed to make the ball run up the side of the tree and bounce off another tree ending up out on the green! Max calmly stated, “I did that for your entertainment”.
Need we say more?
The Power of Dance
/in News /by kariIf you aren’t familiar with the the incredible work of Anna Halprin, then this video will have you dancing in your chair. We are so inspired by this amazing 97 year old woman!
The Value of Art Observation
/in News /by tiffanyArt observation offers numerous ways to engage. We offered our client Sam an art book, and The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, inspired him to examine the painting and the two details at length.
He smiled as he discovered different areas of interest during his observation. Sam and his activity specialist took time to read about the painting on Wikipedia and look at a portrait of the artist. The session provided social and intellectual stimulation through discussing the painting together as well as the familiar vocational activities of analyzing and observing images.
Sharing stories and ideas about paintings can offer creative thinking and memory recollection of a very special kind.
A life long quest for fun!
/in News /by kariAn inspiring video from Growing Bolder https://www.growingbolder.com/about the power of creative engagment and our most important life goal: having fun!
Pampering Outings
/in News /by tiffanyLiving with Alzheimer’s does not take away our clients’ desire to feel pampered and beautiful. Creating a girls outing enhances socialization, dignity and relaxation. Massage and hot towels during a mani-pedi creates sensory stimulation that promotes mind-body awareness. And completing the outing with a creamy coffee drink just makes everyone happy!
Thank you to Pham Nails in Folsom, CA for your incredible patience and kindness!
Life’s Third Act
/in News /by kariAt the Hummingbird project we help older adults and people living with disabilities to re-engage in old passions and explore new interests, experiencing increased quality of life as a result. Our mission is to cultivate joy, engage curiosity and foster personal expression for all. Jane Fonda’s naming of this phase of life as the “third act” couldn’t be more in sync with our philosophy and passion to ensure that all people have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, no matter what their physical or cognitive needs.
If you haven’t seen this Ted Talk then you must!
https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_fonda_life_s_third_act#t-652143
Photography and Random Stuff
/in News /by tiffanyOne of our younger clients dealing with a form of Parkinson’s loves photography. To help her achieve her dream of taking pictures, an activity specialist created a photo set with various fun objects.
Each object Jennifer chose gave us insight into her preferences and style. Being able to arrange the objects how she wanted supported her a sense of control and creativity. Assisting her with cropping and adding filters to the images enhanced her artistic experience. She smiled and laughed and played and had a very meaningful day.
With a big grin, she titled this session “Random Stuff”.
Using Social Media to Engage, Explore and Create.
/in News /by tiffanyBy introducing a client to Pinterest, Victoria, a previous designer, not only takes control of defining her activity sessions, but she has found a new platform of creative and intellectual stimulation.
Together we define the necessary steps for completing the ideas that inspire her most. Then a Hummingbird Project activity specialist assures the necessary supplies are made available and Victoria gets to engage in a meaningful vocational activity. Here she is making wire flower hair accessories that she plans to gift to her family and friends. Fancy that!
Power to Change: 2018 Creative Aging Symposium on January 17
/in News /by kariWe are pleased to help spread the word about this amazing opportunity! Please join this virtual symposium and inspiring dialogue about creative aging, hosted by our friends and partners at Senior Center Without Walls https://www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org/and Creative Aging SF http://www.creativeagingsf.org/. Visit the website to learn more and sign up today: https://www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org/creative-aging-symposium/
Physical Quality of Life and Laughter
/in News /by tiffanyWhen Hummingbird clients are doing things they love, there is joy and laughter to be found, regardless of how “well” the actual activity is being done.
While playing golf, at one hole Max shot a beautiful putt that put him below par. Our activity specialist happened to catch that hole on camera and Max declared, “Finally! The press catches the correct moment!”
Max had some excellent shots and some that hit trees. When one of the trees was hit, the ball dropped straight down, coming to rest near the trunk. When Max hit it next, he managed to make the ball run up the side of the tree and bounce off another tree ending up out on the green! Max calmly stated, “I did that for your entertainment”.
Need we say more?
Happy New Year!
/in News /by tiffanyMay your New Year be filled with hope and gratitude, and may each day present happiness and meaning for you and your family!
Happy New Year from The Hummingbird Project!