26.10.2022

7th-grade students visit a Long-Stay Institution for the ElderlyBy Brayan Felippe

By Brayan Felippe

The 7th-grade (Y7) students visited a Home for the Elderly with the objective of learning about the operation of a public institution, the importance of care and attention to the elderly, and promoting a reflection on the aging process. 

Before the investigation, the students observed in class what the difficulties related to the mental health of the elderly were. The suggestion for the visit came from one of the families that works at the site.

During the Field Trip, the students could learn a little more about the space, talk to the psychologist and the social worker, and broaden their knowledge about the natural process of life. Some classes performed musical presentations, providing moments of relaxation and bringing news to the residents’ routine. In addition, they were able to understand more about each person’s personal story when they approached them individually for relaxed, informal chats.

After the experience, the students will be asked to produce texts together with their teachers about the importance of rescuing memories. Afterward, they will return to the institution for a second visit with the objective of deepening the conversations held on the first occasion.

One of Beacon’s pillars is to develop empathy and understanding for different cultures and life stories. Through this field research, the students had moments full of affection and re-signification of the idea of the passage of time. The experience provided a new perspective on the various life stories.