Aged care residents show you’re never too old to ‘Play Up’

It’s always advisable to ask what activities are available at the aged care facility being considered for a loved one.

At Uniting NSW.ACT’s The Marion aged care facility in Leichhardt, in Sydney’s Inner West, there’s a theatre group.

Playing up for these residents though means loosening up and having a giggle as they join their volunteer Drama Teachers Belinda Mason and Colleen Kennedy in their aged care drama class – in what could be Australia’s oldest aged theatre group.

“We used to put on productions, but now the focus is more on play and improvisation inspired by theatre sports games,” Colleen said.

Belinda said, “We use drama, movement and storytelling exercises that are fun and helpful in relieving stress and encouraging connections with others.”

“Some of our members live with dementia so being able to be a part of a group that has fun allows them to express themselves and enjoy the company of others without feeling stressed or vulnerable.”

Belinda said seeing how much each of the group’s members got out of the classes makes it all worthwhile.

“Seeing them laugh and have fun is so wonderful, especially after having been so isolated during Covid. Many of our members also live with dementia and lose their confidence in their ability to communicate which in turn isolates them further, so seeing them being able to express themselves is just heartwarming.”

One of the participants in the class, 95-year-old Billie Brace, moved into The Marion earlier this year and wasted no time in joining up.

“I’m a bit of a dramatic person. I’ve always tried not to be boring,” said Billie.

“What I like is the wonderful sense of companionship. The group understands how you’re living and what you’re going through, there’s something wonderous about it and I really look forward to seeing everyone each week."

Alison, 84, who has Parkinson’s Disease, stressed the importance for her was the sense of belonging to a group and sharing stories and laughter.

Colleen added: “What people are feeling in these reduced circumstances in terms of age and the fact they’re now institutionalised is that they’re shutting down, this group and class allows them to be playful and open up their feelings again.”