Mind Academies is an initiative created by the founders of Human Coop, to support active and healthy ageing. This program is aimed at the elderly population, particularly those in vulnerable situations, and seeks to provide physical, mental, emotional and social intervention. Ultimately, the goal is to promote active ageing, prevent social isolation and mitigate cognitive decline.
With the aim of enabling older adults to remain active within their own community, it also contributes to improving quality of life and maintaining healthy and independent ageing.
How do the Mind Academies work?
The Mind Academies are held weekly in 45 minute sessions and take place in community spaces, such as local associations and parish councils. The program is structured around three pillars: Senior Dance®, cognitive stimulation and creative activities. Each session includes rotating activities that address both physical and mental aspects, strengthening cognitive skills, social interaction and personal expression of the participants. The main goal is, undoubtedly, to support the elderly population in their process of active and healthy ageing.
First Pillar: Senior Dance®
Senior Dance®, the first pillar, offers cheerful, low-impact choreographies that can be performed either standing or seated, featuring adapted folk and ballroom dances. Originally developed in 1971 by Ilse Tutt in Germany, Senior Dance® focuses on mobility and social interaction for the elderly. In this way, it keeps them active in a fun and adapted way to their needs. In fact, this component significantly contributes to maintaining energy, socializing and physical health.
Second Pillar: Cognitive Stimulation
Cognitive Stimulation is the second pillar of Mind Academies. The activities include pen-and-paper exercises, as well games that challenge mental functions such as memory, attention, language and other cognitive areas. Furthermore, the program includes its own tools, such as the Cognitive Stimulation Workbook, launched in 2022, and the game Cogni+ Where is the color?, from 2023. Both were developed by Human Coop to support the cognitive development of participants in a practical and accessible way.
Third pillar: Creative Activities
Creative activities, the third pillar, promotes the development of bodily and musical expression, in addition to offering dynamics that stimulate the imagination, memory and creativity of participants. These activities encourage expression and relaxation, providing moments of unwinding and fun.
Results
Currently, more than 370 seniors participate in 20 Mind Academies spread across three municipalities (Abrantes, Constância and Mação), enjoying not only the weekly sessions but also other other cultural and exchange activities organized by Human Coop.
In summary…
The Mind Academies are, therefore, more than just an intervention program for active and healthy aging. They represent a space for welcoming, integration and well-being for elderly people and adults with some disability who wish to live actively, connected and healthily.
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