SPYC Day 2024 brought together 80 elderly people on the banks of the Guarapiranga Reservoir

SPYC DAY 2024 took place last Thursday, 24 October, on the banks of the Guarapiranga Reservoir in São Paulo, in a very joyful and relaxed atmosphere. The annual event, organised by the Community Centre for the Elderly (CCI) – a project run by the British Benevolent Foundation (FBB) – attracted 80 participants. “This gathering and the experiences it offers are very important for encouraging social interaction amongst older people. Everyone loved the activities,” says Ana Rodrigues, project supervisor at the FBB.

The elderly people, aged between 60 and 91, set off early from the FBB headquarters in Pinheiros in two chartered coaches. The group, comprising Brazilians and British nationals, arrived at 9.30 am at the São Paulo Yacht Club, a traditional club for the British community on the banks of the Guarapiranga reservoir. Everyone was given a warm and friendly welcome with a delicious breakfast, featuring plenty of cakes, sandwiches, cheese bread and juices.

During the This morning, due to the cloudy weather with a few showers, the programme took place inside the club’s headquarters, in a covered, airy space. “Getting out of the house, dancing, enjoying nature and meeting people is just brilliant,” says Eliene Silva Guimarães, 68, who has taken part in previous editions of SPYC.

‘The Art of Life’ quiz

After breakfast, the first activity was a quiz called ‘The Art of Life’. In the centre of the hall, a number of balloons contained motivational questions about the elderly participants’ life stories, health, behavioural changes and dreams. As the balloons were popped, the questions were put to the group.

Everyone took part and even the shyest participants were clearly delighted by the opportunity to express themselves and be listened to with respect. “Older people are often invisible in society. Here, they form bonds, feel they are in a safe space and forge friendships that last a lifetime. This is very important,” says Marina Matheus, coordinator of the CCI. “Activities like this help older people to break down limiting beliefs, such as thinking they cannot speak in public or carry out certain tasks,” says Joyce Corazza Dias, a technology teacher at the Foundation Britânica Beneficiência, which organised the quiz.

After this warm-up, it was time for a game of Twister to improve balance and coordination. Each participant had to walk in a squatting position along a mat marked with hand and foot shapes, without falling over, standing up or stepping on the Wrong image. For 30 minutes, amidst plenty of laughter and discussions about the competition rules, everyone rediscovered the joy of playing without restraint!

Dancing is therapy

To everyone’s delight, the weather improved by late morning and the 60+ group were invited to dancing on the lawn to the music of Dominguinhos, Sidney Magall, Gloria Gaynor, Raul Seixas, Alcione, John Travolta and other artists representing the sounds of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. At that moment, under the guidance of Karina Mattos, an aerobics and Pilates instructor, everyone was completely at ease. “I love dancing because I forget about life’s problems and I make more friends too,” says housekeeper Severina Sales da Cruz, aged 69, also known as the ‘Forrozeira of Recife’. “I’ve been singing and making up dance routines since I was 10. At today’s event, what I enjoyed most was the dancing,” adds businesswoman Nelma, who, together with Severina, joined in with the samba and forró.

At around 2 pm, lunch was served. The menu included a green leaf salad with mustard dressing, rice, beans, beef brisket, very creamy mashed potato, mixed vegetables, orange juice and condensed milk pudding. At this point, gathered round their tables, the 60+ group took the opportunity to catch up and swap stories about outings, trips, family, health and much more.

During the afternoon, the elderly They naturally split into groups to enjoy the countryside, go for a walk, rest or even play on the swing near the reservoir. Among those who relived their childhood for a few minutes on the swing were advertising executive Rubens Kutner, aged 61; domestic worker Cira Alves, aged 58; and retired insurance worker Tereza Nakano, aged 70. “This place is wonderful. But what I really thought was great was the swing,” says Cira. “Here in Guarapiranga, with all this nature around us, it feels as though we’ve left São Paulo without actually having left. That’s brilliant,” says Rubens.

A Time of Discoveries

Later that afternoon, there were yoga and circle dance classes. In the first, the participants performed movements designed to reduce stress and encourage positive attitudes. In the second, the aim was to foster a sense of integration and togetherness, as well as to improve the elderly participants’ concentration. The activities concluded with words and gestures of gratitude for such a special day. After afternoon tea, everyone returned to the FBB headquarters with the feeling that old age can – and should – be a carefree, enjoyable time, full of new discoveries.