We’re self-isolating for a good reason, but it can get pretty boring at times. Although many of us are now able to fit exercise into our once-busy schedules, have more time to catch up on laundry, and get to create more memories with our household members now that many of us are staying home, that boredom is still there. Oh, what do we do with the extra time that many of us now have?
At the Bryn Celyn Care Home, a retirement residence located in Bryn Celyn, Maesteg, Wales, senior citizens are choosing to spend their time wisely as to not get bored. They might be limited in what they can do at this time, but recently, they decided to stay in to play a life-sized version of the game, “Hungry, Hungry Hippos!”
For those who aren’t familiar with the classic children’s game, each player must make sure their plastic hippo collects (“eats”) as many marbles as it possibly can. The player whose hippo collects the most marbles wins the game.
But playing a life-sized version of the game, the Bryn Celyn residents did things a little differently. During their gameplay, several balls were placed in the center of the floor. Five residents in wheelchairs were then pushed out towards the center by other people. Those in wheelchairs each held a stick with an upside-down, plastic bin and would try to trap as many balls underneath their bin as possible, much like the original game. Clever!
Everyone seemed to be having a blast. The Bryn Celyn Care Home was definitely excited to share the footage on Facebook, which they originally posted on March 19, 2020.
“Residents really enjoyed playing a new game today: Hungry Hippos. Lots of laughter to lift morale of the team and residents!” they said in the description of the video.
The video brought plenty of joy and laughter to viewers as the game did for the residents.
“Fantastic people. Staff are too!! Everyone has so much energy. It makes work fun, atmosphere fun and happiness where all too easily you can be down and sad. Happiness is the best. …you have an Amazing team. Please reward them,” typed one woman.
Although we are in difficult times right now, it’s so nice to see people doing what they can to remain social and combat boredom. Just seeing and hearing people being happy right now makes me feel happy too!
Watch the feisty seniors compete as “hippos” in the video below.
