Neighbor News
The Nature Connection Uncovers the Full Lives of Elders
Celeste the Box Turtle helps elders build community through the commonality of nature.
Program Coordinator Carol brought Celeste, a Box turtle, to the Malden PACE program for elders with medical support needs. She caught the attention of two participants whose first language is Haitian Creole. One participant taught Carol the Haitian Creole name for turtle is "Torti” and sang a song about turtles.
The other, who had shared his love of animals and tortoises in the past, had a National Geographic book opened to a page of a tortoise coming out of its shell. Carol shared, "We looked at the beak of Celeste and the photo - they were very similar! What a way to bring a moment to life."
These moments of sharing cultures, learning, and connecting reminded us that language barriers can hide all sorts of knowledge that the commonality of nature can help uncover.
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The Nature Connection also visits sites for elders living with dementia/Alzheimer's, where there are many barriers to communication. The Nature Connection's programs provide an opportunity to connect in the moment - petting a chinchilla's soft fur, holding a smooth rock, or smelling a blooming flower.
"Our residents love this interactive program. They enjoy touching & smelling, they feel smart and enjoy the meaningful conversation. The program validates who they are and who they were. The program is calming and fun for all."
~Jacqueline, Bridges by EPOCH in Westford
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The Nature Connection supports the human spirit by connecting people through and to nature.
Our mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities through the therapeutic use of nature. Founded in 1983 in Concord, MA, The Nature Connection provides interactive & accessible nature-based programing, especially for those with limited access to the outdoors (youth at-risk, children and adults with disabilities, and elders, including those with dementia/Alzheimer’s) of Middlesex County. Programs provide participants with the many benefits of nature through interactions with plants, animals, and natural materials in ways most meaningful and accessible to them. Learn more at nature-connection.org.