Our speaker this week was James Creasey from an organization called Jiminy Wicket.   Their mission is to transform the isolation and loneliness of aging and Alzheimer's into connection, laughter and smiles across generations by playing croquet together.  James shared the history of croquet from as far back as 1300 in a game played in France calle Paille Malle(ball mallet).  The games first arrival in America in California in 1849 was illustrated with pictures from James.  A commonly known book, Alice in Wonderland, also illustrated croquet when Alice chased her croquet ball down the rabbit hole.  1868 people were playing croquet and a well renowned club in England, Wimbledon.   He also showed a picture of Billy the Kid playing croquet in 1878.  The history of this game is expansive and provided James the opportunity to share it with his father who was experiencing Alzheimers. In 2008, on a summer vacation by the coast in Cornwall, England, James Creasey discovered new connections with his father in the silence and confusion of his dementia. Playing together, they both smiled.

 

James returned to Denver, Colorado and founded Jiminy Wicket. Since then, we have played croquet with people from 123 different countries, from 2 years old to 103 years old. They all go home with a pocketful of smiles!  They train and equip high-school students to host their Through Hoops to Hope croquet program as an outing every two weeks for the residents of  local senior communities. They believe in the power of play to create connection and well-being across the generations.  There are 3 stationary "ball" games, golf, pool(billiards), and croquet.  Croquet of these three is the easiest and probably the most fun to play.  Alzheimers effects 75,000 Coloradoans and approximately 5.8 million people are living with some form of dementia.  This program is a way to engage people with dementia with those who have a desire to help and integrate these individuals.  There are many ways you can get involved. They welcome schools, senior communities and individuals who want to join their effort.  

 

They play indoors on artificial turf in school gyms taking weather out of the equation.  They can play in heat of summer and the chills of winter.  They also include people with walker frames and wheelchairs all year long.  Through Hoops to Hope is a high benefit, low cost program engaging people with a wide range of cognitive and physical abilities. Playing together increases the emotional, physical and social well-being of young and old alike, it is the most age-friendly, gender-neutral game in the world.

They have three components:

1. A 20 minute TED-type talk about Alzheimer's Disease, croquet and how we can make a difference today. This is followed by 40min of croquet games. (Approx. 60min)

2. Students then host Through Hoops to Hope croquet, partnering with their guests from a local senior community in their school gymnasium on our artificial grass. (Approx. 60min)

3. Repeat session 2 - once a week or every two weeks. Whenever possible, the students are paired up with the same seniors, strengthening the connection between them. (Approx. 60min)

​The top 5 benefits of Jiminy Wicket croquet:

• Offers educational, inter-generational and community service/learning

• Provides cognitive stimulation, social engagement and physical exercise

• Raises awareness and reduces the stigma and isolation of aging and Alzheimer’s

• Teaches the top 3 things to avoid and the 3 best things to do for a longer and healthier life

• Creates inter-generational connection, laughter and lots of S.P.H! . . . Smiles per hour! 

To learn more or to donate to their organization please click on button below. 

 

Thanks James for sharing information about Jiminy Wicket.