In this week’s reading, we focused on the cultural images we have of old age. We learned how the cultural images we presume to be ‘true’ about old age are actually false. For this reason, Professor Lewis has assigned us the Debunking Ageist Stereotypes and/or Bridging Gaps of Understanding about the Aging Population Project. The purpose of this project is to counter some negative misconceptions/ stereotypes held about older people. My classmate, Jessica, mentioned last week a really creative way of doing this project and that is through the “Never Have I Ever” Game. Although I’ve never played this game before, I know participants usually sit or stand in a circle and one person says something that they have not done, and use the phrase, “Never Have I Ever…” to begin their statement. Every participant starts with ten points, but lose a point every time they disagree with a statement. The last person with points left wins the game. Throughout the game, participants are encouraged to share their experiences/ stories, but are not required.
Given Professor Lewis is allowing us to complete the project in groups/pairs, I spoke to Jessica this week and we both agreed this project can be implemented at Casa de Manana. Since we plan to make this game as inclusive as possible, we decided to improvise the original game. So instead of disqualifying a participant for losing all of their points, we plan to have everyone participate throughout the game. Essentially, each participant will be given a card, one side will say ‘agree’ and the other side will say ‘disagree.’ Prior to going to Casa de Manana, Jessica and I will come up with a series of questions that we can ask the residents. Given we hope to create a welcoming environment, all of our questions will be meant to create laughter and joy, while at the same time counter negative misconceptions about elders. We also hope to share our experience with the class, by videotaping this event.
Given Professor Lewis is allowing us to complete the project in groups/pairs, I spoke to Jessica this week and we both agreed this project can be implemented at Casa de Manana. Since we plan to make this game as inclusive as possible, we decided to improvise the original game. So instead of disqualifying a participant for losing all of their points, we plan to have everyone participate throughout the game. Essentially, each participant will be given a card, one side will say ‘agree’ and the other side will say ‘disagree.’ Prior to going to Casa de Manana, Jessica and I will come up with a series of questions that we can ask the residents. Given we hope to create a welcoming environment, all of our questions will be meant to create laughter and joy, while at the same time counter negative misconceptions about elders. We also hope to share our experience with the class, by videotaping this event.