The next IAFN newsletter on the theme of Valuing Our Elders will be published shortly. Articles from Africa, India, Papua New Guinea, the West Indies and the Anglican Indigenous Network tell of the valuing of older people in many cultures.

 At the same time, the increasing number of elderly people, many with problems of isolation from their families and communities as well as frail health and lack of resources, demands action from Churches and Governments.   The newsletter describes imaginative projects to help, set up by church organizations and parishes in both developed and developing parts of the Anglican Communion. 

Below are some projects established by the Welfare Council of the Anglican Church of Hong Kong. (HKSKH).

Active Aging:

Chinese Tai Chi Fan Dance

Photo Credit: HKSKH Welfare Council

The “Positive Life Elderly Suicide Prevention Project – Talent Variety Show” was held by the Council’s Institute of Continuing Education for Seniors. Over 800 senior students from the 15 Learning Centres of our Institute attended the event. The objectives of promoting positive life attitudes and sharing what the students had learnt throughout the year were successfully achieved. The photograph shows the wonderful performance of the Chinese Tai Chi Fan Dance.

Thematic corner of wandering garden:

A specially designed garden for seniors suffering from dementia is renovated at Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Li Ka Shing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly. It aims to provide different sensory stimulation for the clients with dementia of different levels through a natural environment and thematic corners:

• Scented Path : Different scented plants provide a pleasant smell and natural stimulation.
• Exercise Corner : to encourage users to do more exercise such as Tai Chi. To ensure safety, the floor is coated with shock-absorbing material.
• Fish Pond : research reflected that watching fishes has a natural calming effect on residents suffering from dementia. Feeding fishes also provides a sense of accomplishment.
• Planting Area : Gardening is a therapeutic activity for users suffering from dementia.
• Socializing Area : This sitting area provides an open space for residents to mingle with their family and friends as well as encouraging socialization.

To learn more, with articles from many countries in the Anglican Communion, fill in the subscription page and be notified, free of charge, when the Valuing Our Elders newsletter is available on the web.