Fortalecimiento de la atención y la escucha a través de actividades lúdico-recreativas en niños y adultos mayores del comedor comunitario San Benito Menni

Abstract

This project emerged from what I observed and experienced during my first visits to the San Benito Menni community dining hall, located in Altos de Cazucá, Soacha. From the very first session, it was clear that both the children and the older adults struggled to concentrate, listen to one another, and participate in an organized way during group activities. Based on that reality, I designed and implemented a 14-week, 27-session intervention plan with 12 children between the ages of 6 and 12 and 34 older adults, using recreational and play-based activities as the main strategy to strengthen attention and active listening in both groups. The plan was organized into four axes: group integration and recognition, attention stimulation, cooperative work, and process consolidation. Throughout the sessions, cooperative games, motor circuits, rhythmic and musical activities, and progressive listening dynamics were implemented, closing with the final evaluation "I listen, I remember, I act." Results showed concrete improvements in concentration, turn-taking, and participation in both populations, confirming that play and recreation are effective strategies for developing cognitive and social skills in vulnerable community contexts.