Jun 21, 2021, 03:54 PM

Elderly Aberdonians enjoy their first taste of the Euros

Aberdeen-based Renaissance Care Cowdray Club Care Home, celebrated Scotland’s first game of the Euros this week, complete with pies and pints for an authentic viewing experience.

The care home kicked-off the competition with refreshments, decorations and Jimmy hats for the residents, so no-one missed out on Scotland’s big return to the competition. Staff arranged for pies for lunch and an afternoon tipple of lager, allowing residents to enjoy their match day experience from the comfort of the living room.

With COVID-19 restrictions limiting the range care home activities, staff seized the opportunity to join Scots across the country in cheering the team on against Czech Republic. Studies* show that watching football can be very beneficial for the elderly, as it can exercise the mind and prompt individuals to reminisce on their past. Very few were more eager than those in Cowdray Club.

Amongst the residents was James Rust, former business development manager for Aberdeen Football Club and former director at Cove Rangers.

Jim has always enjoyed the beautiful game, as both spectator and participant, playing for West End Football Club and Clifton Vale in his younger years. He remains an avid fan of both the Dons and Dundee, and fondly reflected on his favourite footy moments during the Euros, such as Aberdeen’s 3-2 success against Real Madrid in 1983 through the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final.

Jim said: “I am really proud of the Scotland team, and delighted to see them take on the Euros once more. Monday’s result was disappointing, but I’ve seen enough games to know that anything can happen, and I will be cheering them on with the rest of Scotland on Friday.”

Alongside friend Sandy Stephens, the Dons fans raised a pint of Tennents to the team and wished them all the best of luck ahead of the Scotland v England match on Friday.

Suzanne Edmond, activities co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Cowdray Club, said: “We all enjoyed the game immensely, and loved rallying the residents round to watch Scotland’s return to the Euros. We always try to cater to individual interests at Cowdray Club, and with so many residents fondly reflecting on the 1992 and 1998 Euros; this was the perfect afternoon.

“We have all truly missed the scope of activity we are used to, but I am so proud of the staff and residents at Cowdray Club. The past year has shown us that we are a strong team ourselves, and we look forward to being able to share more memories with our residents.”

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