Residents of Glencairn Take Up Gaelic Lessons

Residents of Renaissance At Glencairn have been trying their hand at something new with the introduction of Gaelic lessons to the home. Having previously expressed great interest in the homes French lessons and with an appetite to learn more, residents wished to expand their knowledge of language with something they could do as a group and begin at the same level. Everyone who participates in the activity has communicated a tie to a person or place associated with Gaelic language, however, has had no prior experience up until this point.  

An ideal addition to Glencairn's growing repertoire of activities due to Scotland's historic Goidelic ties and resident’s novice starting point, those within the home have found the experience to be ‘challenging’ and ‘fun’. 

Debbie, the homes activities co-ordinator, said:   "A lot of our activities focus on maintaining physical health and dexterity and draw on resident’s knowledge and abilities. The Gaelic course offers an opportunity to learn something completely new - a rare thing when you are in your eighties or nineties."

Taking place once per week since the beginning of April, students are enjoying several mentally stimulating prompts such as games of Pontoon to help with numbers, songs to help with words, and a themed topic each week i.e., food, weather, and shopping to apply their learning to everyday tasks.

The lessons have also been an opportunity for residents to meet new people, increase confidence and verbal communication, and share new achievements and milestones with loved ones.

The class continues to show a lot of curiosity in the language and goes to show its never too late to learn something new.