An elderly care foundation has started a program that promotes social interaction for senior citizens and closer ties between them and their foreign caretakers.
This is not a typical aerobics class for the young and health conscious. It’s a program designed especially for senior citizens who are physically challenged.
Taiwan has a rapidly aging population, and it relies heavily on foreign caretakers to care for the elderly. But there are very few activities they can do together. Often caretakers chat with their friends in the park, leaving older people sitting by themselves in a wheelchair.
The aerobics teacher says the program enables the physically challenged and their caretakers to exercise together. She says it’s a lot of fun and interactive as caretakers participate in the activity too.
Social worker Lee Hsiu-rong says the games teach caretakers skills about caring for the elderly and the group activity increases their social interaction.
Lee says elderly care is an important trend in Taiwan. This program benefits the elderly, caretakers and society.