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50 People Aged 90+ Tow a 13-Tonne Truck

on Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Last Friday, the Murray Street Mall in Perth hosted a unique event. 50 participants - all over the age of 90 - pulled a 13 tonne truck through the Mall to raise awarness for the Give 50 campaign, by aged care provider, Amana Living.

The event marked the start of a month-long Give 50 campaign, to raise funds for Amana Living’s latest enrichment project, iPad Connect.

The project involves providing Amana Living clients and residents with the technology and training to use iPad apps, games, audiovisuals, communications and connectivity.

To draw attention to the campaign, Amana Living invited 50 older people to pull a 13-tonne truck, with the message ‘It’s amazing what 50 can do!’ printed on the side. Almost all of the participants were residents at Amana Living’s aged care facilities or retirement villages.

“Older people need so much more than physical care – they need to stay connected with the world and people around them,” said Amana Living CEO Ray Glickman. “Amana Living places an emphasis on enriching the lives of our residents and clients, so that they can remain as healthy and active as possible, physically and mentally” he said.

iPad Connect is the latest installment of Amana Living’s Enrichment Program, which helps older people to enjoy the second half of life by staying as active as possible in body, mind and spirit.

“Initial results from our trial were very encouraging, and we now see great value in expanding this initiative into a wider program with more comprehensive measurements in place to gauge success” said Mr Glickman.

During a trial Amana Living staff observed agitated residents and clients becoming noticeably calmer, and some who were normally difficult to reach become unexpectedly alert.

Throughout June Amana Living and Perth local radio station 6PR are appealing to the Perth community to help raise $50,000 for the new project.

Donation boxes have been placed in Caffissimo cafés throughout the Perth metropolitan area for those who wish to donate.

 

My Care Path Aged Care Consultants