How using a puppet can provide a way for Joan (86) to playfully communicate with children

Before the session began, Joan was found asleep in the room where the experience was due to take place. She was sitting in a wheelchair in the middle of the room with the television on in the background. She appeared very sleepy and was hunched forward, curled into herself. Amanda, the group leader, gently woke Joan and asked if it would be alright to prepare the room for the session. Amanda introduced herself, and greeted her warmly. Joan spoke very quietly, appeared drowsy, but smiled and said she was happy to see Amanda. Amanda explained that children from the community would soon be joining them for a music session.

As the children entered the room and the session began, Joan's whole demeanour changed. Her face lit up, she gradually uncurlled from her hunched posture, and she sat in a much more upright position. Throughout the session, Joan smiled frequently and enthusiastically sang along with the familiar songs.

Although Joan found some of the physical movements challenging, she was keen to participate. When Amanda placed a duck hand puppet onto Joan's hand, Joan immediately embraced the role of the duck. She created a humorous duck voice, quacked enthusiastically, and began interacting directly with the children through the puppet. She asked them questions, made them laugh, and clearly enjoyed the playful interaction. The more the children laughed, the more animated Joan became. She commented that she enjoyed "being quite daft sometimes," demonstrating a wonderful sense of humour and playfulness.

Towards the end of the session, members of the specialist health team arrived to take Joan to another room for a conversation. However, when they observed how engaged, happy, and responsive she was with the children, they chose to wait outside until the session had finished, allowing Joan to enjoy the experience uninterrupted.

After the session, Amanda gave Joan the duck puppet to hold while speaking with the health professionals. Joan delighted in demonstrating the duck's voice and movements, proudly performing for the team. The professionals were visibly surprised by how lively, expressive, and energised Joan had become through her interaction with the puppet and the children.

This session demonstrated the transformative impact that meaningful, intergenerational creative activities can have on older adults. Joan's physical posture, mood, communication, confidence, and social engagement all improved significantly during the session. Her playful interactions with the children revealed aspects of her personality that may otherwise have remained hidden, highlighting the importance of person-centred, creative opportunities that promote joy, connection, and wellbeing.