The old ones are the best - care homes bring back traditional games

Photo: Game on, Bupa's community affairs assistant Laura Hardaker with residents Joan Chapman (95) and Charles Amory (86) 

Nov 2011

The good old games from 'yesteryear' are being brought back into play by care home across theUK, with staff and residents preparing to be bowled over by Bupa's Games Days.

Aiming to keep traditions alive and rekindle memories, Bupa's care homes are inviting families, friends and members of local communities to join in a variety of Games Days throughout November, from shove ha'pennies and table-skittles through to cribbage and quoits.

Laura Hardaker, Bupa's community affairs assistant, said,

"Taking part in these traditional games will bring back memories that matter and it's a great way for our residents to reminisce.

"We also have lots of volunteers from charities, such as Age UK, and schools and community groups who will be joining staff and residents to help bring the games to life."

Altogether over 300 care homes will be taking part in Bupa's Games Days. And in a bid to prove that the old favourites can rival any Xbox or Nintendo Wii, some of the care homes will be going head-to-head with more modern games to decide whether the old ones are indeed the best.

A recent survey commissioned by Bupa Care Homes amongst over 1000 residents revealed that dominoes is the most popular game of 'yesteryear', followed closely by traditional card games and the classic board game of 'Snakes and Ladders'.

Client: Bupa Care Homes