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?
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!
Planning to make 2018 Joy Filled and Meaningful!
/in News /by tiffanyWhat better way to start the year than to plan for it to be enriching and meaningful!
Creating a list of goals can be inspiring and add a sense of value and purpose. Make it personal for the person are caring for by setting aside a special time to create the list together. Add music and a favorite drink or snack to enhance the activity. Create an on-going list and post it somewhere it can be seen, as a way to add importance to his or her special ideas. Using colorful post-it notes gives you flexibility to make it work for you and it adds fun color for additional sensory stimulation.
A few ideas may be:
Have fun planning exploring meaningful goals and enhance personal connections at the same time. Looking for more fun activities to add to your list? Visit www.joyfulmomentscards.net to learn more!
Pure Joy
/in News /by tiffanyThank you for your belief in the Hummingbird Project and our mission to cultivate joy, engage curiosity and foster personal expression for seniors and adults with disabilities. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year!
Artist credit: Top, Mariposa (Po) Adams, age 93. Bottom, Louise Leard, age 93
Creating Sweet Connections for the Holidays
/in News /by tiffanyWhat better way to enjoy the holiday season than to stimulate our senses, while sharing the sweetness of joy and laughter! Consider lighting scented candles of spiced cider, peppermint or pumpkin pie. Find holiday music favorites to play and sing along to while making packages of Reindeer Noses to share with friends and families!
For a fun gift that can be made with family members of all ages, combine a handful of malt balls or milk duds with one red peanut m&m in a small baggie or mason jar. Then print this cute Reindeer Noses label and tie it to the container with a holiday ribbon. Share smiles and treats and embrace the emotional delight of giving!
May your holidays be filled with the spirit of the season and sweet connections with those you love.
Happy Holidays from The Hummingbird Project!
Vocational Activities: Make a Bird Seed Ornament [Free Activity]
/in News /by kariWith Christmas just around the corner, we wanted to share a fun activity idea with you from our featured product Joyful Moments: Therapeutic Activities to Engage Older Adults. If your loved one with dementia is looking for a vocationally satisfying activity that is both purposeful and meaningful then please make a bird seed ornament with them. We’ve shared the instructions here as our gift to you!
Looking for more fun activities just like this? Visit www.joyfulmomentscards.net to learn more!