In an interview with local magazine Handel & Wandel in Dronten, the Netherlands, CEO Marco Lankman takes us back to the creation of International Senior Concepts (ISC). With his partner Wilfriede van Dijk, he tells about how his passion for play has naturally grown from making kids’ play areas to the next logical step: play solutions in eldercare.

"We see that playing at an older age is just as valuable as playing at a younger age." - Marco Lankman, CEO International Senior Concepts

Easy as child’s play

At parent company International Kids Concepts (IKC) you’ll often hear the question: “What is your best childhood memory of playing?” – something everyone has their own answer to, and which allows you to feel how valuable our childhood memories continue to be, even into our adult lives. “It probably isn’t just the memory of playing, but also the carefree feeling of being able to be yourself in a positive, supportive environment. We also see this with the elderly”, Marco explains. Who looks at ISC play concepts will come to the surprising conclusion that being a child and being old indeed lie very close to each other. “We see that playing at an older age is just as valuable as playing at a younger age.”

Elderly often experience their childhood again

Beginning with seniors, the development of play concepts for elderly with dementia has also commenced. Wilfriede: “Attention for dementia makes pretty good sense; often our inner child comes out again.” Marco elaborates: “Elderly people with dementia tend to be some form of ‘perfectly happy’. They easily solve conflicts, are creative and don’t get irritated by outside influences.” This development process would therefore be the next step for ISC.

Different needs, several play solutions

An active life with fun activities helps seniors to stay fit and gives them the chance to experience a happy old age. "International Senior Concepts can play an important role in making this come true." The elderly games from ISC make it possible to playfully maintain cognitive functions as well as body exercise and social connection.

There are, for instance, the BRYM Table, the Activity Wall and numerous unique play concepts that can help train their hand-eye coordination and at the same time make it possible to have fun with caretakers or visiting grandchildren. “This way, caregivers can also have both hands free to tend to other needs.”
 

Read the full article here (Dutch):