Taiwan's population is aging rapidly, and in designing the course content, we need to be more attuned to the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the elderly, while also emphasizing the diversity and variability of the curriculum to meet their expectations and needs.
After more than a year of practical teaching experience, we have found that many elderly individuals in the community exhibit mild dementia and cognitive decline. We observed that seniors derive great enjoyment from using general board game props; however, these traditional games have functional design shortcomings that fail to fully meet the needs of the elderly. For example, card sizes are too small, fonts are not clear enough, and overly stimulating colors may cause visual discomfort.
Recognizing the needs of seniors has driven us to design a set of board games specifically tailored for them, focusing on an oversized version based on the everyday experience of hailing taxis, combined with programming concepts to encourage more logical thinking in gameplay. We hope to enhance their gaming experience through this board game, stimulating their thinking, promoting social interactions, and improving their cognitive abilities and mental health.
This board game has been patented and published in a paper in Taiwan, and we are actively promoting teacher training programs to gather more partners to create a supportive environment.
In actual teaching environments, the atmosphere among seniors participating in board games is lively and competitive. This competition arises from the potential to earn money in the game, where participants must not only flexibly deploy their pieces for maximum benefit but also consider strategic combinations and opponents' moves, adding depth and challenge to the gameplay. Furthermore, the enlarged design of the board games allows elderly players to see the game elements more easily, enabling them to handle the pieces effortlessly, which significantly enhances the overall gaming experience.
Importantly, the use of real-looking play money allows participants to feel the reality of financial transactions during the game, increasing their engagement and making the gameplay more enjoyable. Throughout the game, participants must remember the specific positions of their pieces, which not only tests their memory but also fosters a spirit of teamwork and mutual assistance among them. This interaction not only makes the game more dynamic and fun but also promotes social communication, allowing everyone to build stronger relationships while enjoying the game.
Our teaching team is composed of professional educators specializing in senior learning, deeply rooted in the local community, dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences for older adults.
At various universities, we conduct in-person teaching that equips upcoming graduates with knowledge of physical and cognitive fitness. This not only helps students better understand the needs of older adults and enhances their empathy towards seniors but also assists them in establishing a cycle of friendliness in their future professional careers.
On the other hand, at community development associations, we engage with seniors through practical tabletop game teaching. This allows them to enjoy the fun of games while learning new knowledge in a relaxed atmosphere, promoting mutual communication and cooperation.
Additionally, we actively implement teacher training programs to ensure that every educator possesses the necessary skills, and we gather like-minded partners to work together towards building a senior-friendly society.
Interested educators can contact us through Facebook to learn more about the course content and training arrangements.
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