It’s DIY Friday!

Most of us have seen or heard of the infamous “Chia Pet.” For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, “Chia” is a type of edible sprout. Chia Pets are American styled terracotta figurines used to sprout chia, where the chia sprouts grow within a couple of weeks to resemble the animal’s fur or hair. In this case, we’ll be growing our OWN chia-hair!

Ah, the joys of being a senior and finding delight in nurturing life! In the welcoming embrace of a senior living facility, a group of seniors discovers a shared passion for creating whimsical companions known as chia pets. With their green thumbs and hearts filled with tenderness, they embark on a delightful journey of creativity and companionship.

Picture a cozy corner of the facility, bathed in warm sunlight and brimming with laughter. The seniors gather around a table, their eyes twinkling with excitement as they select their chia pet forms. Whether it’s a playful puppy, a serene turtle, or a quirky gnome, each senior finds a character that speaks to their soul, igniting their imagination and filling their hearts with anticipation.

With gentle hands and a sprinkle of magic, the seniors spread a layer of moistened chia seeds on the surface of their chosen forms. They press the seeds firmly, knowing that within them lies the promise of new life. As they work, they share stories of their own experiences with gardening and reminisce about the beauty of watching plants grow and flourish.

As the days pass, the chia pets become the seniors’ faithful companions, residing in their rooms and becoming a part of their daily routine. The residents carefully tend to their little friends, providing them with warmth, sunlight, and a loving touch. With each passing day, the seeds sprout, transforming the once bare surfaces into verdant landscapes, filled with lush greenery that seems to dance in the gentle breeze.

The chia pets become more than just decorative items; they become symbols of resilience and growth. The seniors find solace in the act of nurturing life, as they witness the transformation of their chia pets and reflect upon their own personal journeys. The pets serve as reminders that, even in the later stages of life, there is always room for new beginnings and the possibility of blossoming into something beautiful.

But the magic doesn’t end with the growth of the chia pets. The seniors come together to create a miniature garden display, where their chia pets find a home amidst miniature trees, tiny pebbles, and whimsical decorations. The residents take pride in showcasing their handiwork, sharing their garden creations with fellow residents and visitors alike. The gardens become a source of inspiration and admiration, sparking conversations and fostering connections among the seniors.

As the seniors gather around their miniature gardens, a sense of contentment fills the air. They bask in the serenity of nature’s beauty and the joy that comes from nurturing and connecting with living things. In this shared experience, age dissolves into the background, and the seniors become united in their love for creation and the simple pleasure of watching life unfold.

So, let us celebrate the seniors who find joy in crafting chia pets and tending to their miniature gardens. Through their green thumbs and nurturing spirits, they remind us of the transformative power of nature and the profound satisfaction that comes from caring for another living being. May their chia pets continue to thrive, serving as symbols of hope, growth, and the enduring beauty of life.

You Will Need:

• Paper Cups
• Soil
• Chia Seeds
• Water
• Printed photos of your residents
• Scissors
• Glue

To Begin:

1. First, start by taking pictures of your residents and printing them out – you may have to scale the image accordingly so that it will fit on the side of the paper cup.
2. Have your residents cut out their face from the photo you printed of them, then glue it to the side of their cup.

3. Next, have your residents fill their cup up with soil.

4. Using your finger, poke a hole in the center of your cup of soil. Fill the hole with chia seeds and cover.

5. Water your chia pet and watch it grow wild and crazy chia-hair! You should see sprouts within 3 days. Water when the soil is dry and rotate your chia pet daily!

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