Lifelong Learning in a Nursing Home – Stimulating Curiosity and Development Throughout Life

Human curiosity does not cease just because we age. Many retain their interest in reading, exploring and learning new things well into old age. The nursing home can play a significant role in encouraging and enabling lifelong learning by offering books, digital tools, discussion groups and other stimulating activities.

Stimulating Curiosity and Learning

Curiosity and intellectual stimulation contribute to quality of life and can counteract feelings of depression and passivity. In a nursing home, this can involve encouraging and creating opportunities for:
- Reading and reflection: Access to books, newspapers and audiobooks can provide both knowledge and joy.
- Discussion groups and book clubs: Joint discussions about books, news or various themes can create meaningful encounters.
- Digital technology: Computers and tablets can open doors for keeping in touch with the outside world, learning new things and communicating with relatives.
- Cultural activities: Lectures, film screenings, music events and art projects inspire and stimulate the senses.
- Study circles and volunteers: Cooperation with educational associations and volunteers can enable study circles and lectures for the residents.
- Creative expression: Painting, writing, handcrafts and other creative activities can bring great joy and a sense of development.

Examples from Nursing Homes

There are nursing homes with book boxes from the local library that are regularly renewed, where residents can borrow books according to interest. Some homes have volunteers who conduct reading aloud and discussions about books and news. Others have study circles in cooperation with educational associations. Technology opens new possibilities, and in some nursing homes, residents can use computers and tablets to read, listen to audiobooks, stay in touch with relatives, or blog – just like Dagny Carlsson did long after she turned 100.

Individual Adaptation and Choices

Since older people, just like all of us, are different, it's important to adapt the offerings to individual needs and interests. Some want to continue to develop through studies or cultural activities, while others may appreciate more subdued forms of stimulation, like flipping through photo albums or talking about old memories.

Reflection Questions
Care Staff:  
- What do you do to stimulate reading and learning in the unit?  
- Is there an opportunity to borrow or exchange books between residents?  
- Do you engage in joint reading aloud and reflection?  

Manager, Nurse, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist:  
- Is there access to books, newspapers, computers and other learning tools?  
- Are questions about interests and reading habits included in the move-in conversation?  
- Can the nursing home cooperate with libraries, educational associations or volunteers to develop learning?  

Resident and Relatives:  
- Do you feel that the home stimulates your relative's curiosity?  
- Is there an opportunity for your relative to continue to develop and explore new interests?  

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better Care Every Day