Coloring book of the area seen from the occupational therapist (Occupational therapist Yoshihiro Usami)

There is an idea of occupational therapy that "people can get better by working". However, the work is not all right. The work can only be energetic if it is meaningful and valuable to the person. What is meaningful and valuable work for me? I don't think there are many people who can answer quickly when asked. Human work is connected to the past, present and future. There is a past and now. There is now and it continues to the future. Looking back on the past, I now realize what I value, what is meaningful and valuable. I thought this was important. You can also notice the background (reason).

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By performing reminiscence while coloring the area, meaningful work and valuable work are verbalized. Then, the work you want to do, which was at an unconscious level, becomes conscious. If you make it clearer and make a plan so that you can do it concretely, you will be able to act independently.

Features of "Regional Coloring Book"

Local coloring books come with "a sample of nostalgic coloring books" and "explanatory text that shows the background and context of the era." This is expected to help the elderly to recollect familiar areas and heal their minds.

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1. With a nostalgic coloring book sample

The colorfully drawn sample not only functions as a sample, but also reminds you of a nostalgic landscape just by looking at it and heals your heart.

2. A descriptive text that shows the background and context of the era

Below the picture, the background and context of that era are explained. Even if there is a picture of an area you do not know, this explanation can encourage the subject to speak and facilitate communication.

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How to use "Regional Coloring Book"

Local coloring books can be used in various ways depending on the way of thinking. Here, I would like to introduce one of the practical methods that I am using. First, look at a sample coloring book of the area that you are familiar with. Then, while reading the explanation that shows the background and context of the era together, ask the target person to tell us about the area depicted in the sample.

When the subject is immersed in the memories of the area and becomes interested in it, he or she will start coloring. At first, we will do it together during occupational therapy, but gradually you will have to do it yourself at times other than occupational therapy.

Put the finished coloring book in your frame and decorate it in your room. And when there is an event such as Keirokai, we will exhibit it so that many people can see the work. By developing the work of coloring in this way, we will create tension in the lives of the target people and make their daily lives enjoyable and healthy.

I use the task of coloring as a tool to keep people healthy. Please make use of it for long-term care workers as well. The above is partly quoted from Professor Usami's column (September 24, 2012)