Celebrating the International Day of Sign Languages

At Fairways Care Home in New Romney we believe that learning doesn’t stop with age it evolves. Every day presents a new opportunity to engage the mind, strengthen connections, and embrace skills that enrich our lives.

Recently, our residents took part in a truly inspiring and memorable activity while celebrating the International Day of Sign Languages, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement, achievement, and a strong sense of togetherness.

During the session, residents and team members learned the A–Z of sign language, discovering how to form letters with their hands before proudly spelling out a beautiful and fitting word: LOVE. This simple act held powerful meaning; it highlighted how learning a new skill fosters connection, encourages empathy, and bridges communication gaps in a world where not everyone speaks the same way.

This celebration was not only fun but also an excellent example of the wellbeing philosophy at Fairways Care Home, where we focus on learning, engagement, and new experiences as core elements of supportive living.

Why Learning Sign Language Matters

Sign language is far more than hand movements; it’s a language rich in expression and emotional nuance. For older adults, learning even the basics can:

✔ support cognitive function
✔ strengthen memory retention
✔ improve concentration and focus
✔ offer a meaningful sense of achievement

For many residents, the experience also sparked conversations about friends and family members with hearing loss, encouraging deeper understanding. One of the most valuable outcomes of this activity was seeing residents develop a greater appreciation for how others communicate, reinforcing Fairways values of dignity, inclusivity, and respect.

There can be a misconception that learning slows down later in life. At Fairways Care Home, we find the opposite to be true. Our residents consistently prove that curiosity continues, confidence grows, memory thrives and cognitive resilience strengthens.

Research has shown that learning new skills helps stimulate regions of the brain involved in problem solving, sequencing, and recall. Even small challenges can help maintain neuroplasticity; the brain’s ability to reorganise and build new pathways.

From practising hand shapes to remembering sequence patterns, the sign language session stimulated mental agility in a gentle, enjoyable format. Residents proudly demonstrated their new skills to one another, sharing smiles and cheering each other on. That moment of achievement created a real buzz, something our wellbeing team were delighted to see.

Inclusive communication matters, especially in care settings. Learning sign language created an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of those living with hearing loss. Many of our residents shared stories of times when they had struggled to hear conversations or relied on lip-reading during busy events.

By learning the basics of sign language, residents gained tools that could help them connect more confidently with others, feel included in group conversation and support fellow residents with hearing impairments. It was a gentle reminder that communication can take many forms, spoken, written, visual, and signed, all of which strengthen connection and belonging.

One of the best parts of the session was the reaction at the end. Residents were proud and rightfully so.

“I didn’t think I could do this, but look at us!”
“Spelling LOVE felt like the perfect word.”

Learning sign language wasn’t simply about mastering gestures; it was about the confidence and joy that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. When residents experience success, however small, it creates momentum. It encourages them to try more, explore further, and participate again, and that’s powerful for wellbeing.

Group learning activities at Fairways bring several important benefits:

-Encouraging conversation
Residents talked about learning, shared memories, and discussed the history of sign language.

-Building camaraderie
Working together strengthens bonds and promotes trust.

-Reducing loneliness
Active engagement in shared tasks helps everyone feel part of something.

-Boosting confidence
Cheering for one another builds positive self-esteem.

Whether residents were spelling words, practising their alphabet, or simply observing, everyone felt involved.

Learning new skills has emotional impact too. Residents often describe feeling uplifted, motivated, purposeful and connected. These emotions contribute to improved mental health, helping reduce anxiety and supporting a positive outlook. Learning sign language was also deeply meaningful an opportunity to express care and love in a different way.

At Fairways Care Home, wellbeing isn’t a buzzword it’s woven into daily life. Our programme is carefully designed to nurture:

cognitive health

physical ability

emotional resilience

social connection

creativity and curiosity

From arts sessions and reminiscence activities to music performances and festive projects, residents are encouraged to keep growing, challenging themselves, and celebrating achievement. Learning sign language fits perfectly into this ethos it’s purposeful, stimulating, inclusive, and joyful.

One of the most endearing moments of the day was watching residents proudly sign LOVE together. There was a collective emotional pause, a recognition that communication reaches farther than words. It was a beautiful reflection of what we strive for every day at Fairways Care Home.

Cognitive research shows that learning unfamiliar skills can strengthen neural pathways, keep memories active, reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve attention span.

Sign language challenges the brain in many ways, from hand–eye coordination and spatial mapping to visual recall and sequential memory, these are the exact mental skills that benefit older adults most.

Our residents are never expected simply to spectate they participate, contribute, create, and thrive. Fairways prioritises new experiences because variety builds vitality. Focusing on introducing new, achievable learning experiences regularly that encourage self-expression, curiosity and a healthy motivation.

And for the rest of us, learning sign language is a brilliant reminder of something we can all understand:

It’s never too late to learn.
Never too late to connect.
Never too late to grow.

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank-you to the residents and staff who made this such a successful experience. The room was filled with enthusiasm, laughter, teamwork, and (of course) love.

Want to Learn More About Life at Fairways?

If you’re considering a care home in New Romney, Fairways Care Home offers:

✔ personalised support
✔ a warm, family-run environment
✔ engaging activities
✔ a strong community atmosphere
✔ beautiful coastal surroundings

We welcome enquiries, visits, and conversations and we’d love to show you more of what makes life here special.

Fairways Care Home continues to champion activities that bring joy, purpose, and lifelong learning.