Maya, Choco and Chérie. These are the names of three dogs who have a great mission without them knowing it: to make independent elderly people happy and entertained. This is what is happening in the Can Clar day center in Llucmajor (Mallorca), where a pioneering initiative is being carried out for the first time among non-dependent elderly people to promote social interaction and avoiding isolation in a self-sustaining community in which more than 15,000 elderly people live completely alone.
Through 45 minute sessions in groups of around 10 people over 60 years old who They do not suffer from any type of cognitive or mobility impairmentusers have a great time interacting and playing with dogs. It is a time when old people they keep each other company and communication skills, social participation and teamwork are also stimulated through activities and games.
OKDIARIO participated in what is today the seventh session organized in this day center. Users They leave happier than when they arrived. The words of some elderly people who participated testify to this, like those of Isabel. “I felt very good, very comfortable. The most important thing is that I’m entertained by the company I have here“.
And it is that the unwanted loneliness This is one of the problems that most affects this sector of the population. This is why Isabel recommends carrying out this type of activity. “It is important that older people do not stay at home. I recommend you to come here Monday to Friday and do activities. Here you learn a lot and have fun and in the company your head thinks positive thoughts.
In Carmina’s case, she feels very comfortable in this therapy thanks to love of animals. “I really like dogs and through these activities we can know how to care for them. Thanks to this, I learned to do things with mine“. She also considers that the business is ultimately what matters most in these sessions.
Create a pleasant and positive environment
These dog-assisted therapies would not be possible without Catherinepsychologist and specialist in assisted intervention with animals or dogs. An animal lover since she was little, she explains that interacting with dogs produces oxytocinwhich can lead you to calm moods.
“They come to do activities in your free time to get out of the house. The aim is to promote social interaction of people and create a bond with dogs through games and generating a pleasant and positive environment,” explains Caterina.
We must not forget that this project is a pilot test which develops thanks to the collaboration between the Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS) and the Hort Vell Foundationa non-profit entity with more than two decades of experience in the dissemination, promotion and promotion of activities with horses and dogs in the socio-health, educational and therapeutic fields.
In the case of the Can Clar Day Center in Llucmajor, it is the first time that therapy is aimed at independent elderly people. Once the pilot test is completed, the goal is implement the same program in other centers such as Manacorwhere its launch is planned for early 2025.
The President of IMAS and Minister of Social Protection, Guillermo Sanchezdeclared during his visit to the Can Clar Day Center in Llucmajor that “we are adapting resources and programs to face the new reality that elderly people are experiencing. “We defend their active role and promote healthy and integrated aging within society.”
