Saahil Joshi used to lead summer camps for elementary and middle school kids, teaching them everything them need to know about solving a Rubik’s cube.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he decided to turn his attention to the elderly after not seeing his grandparents for an entire year.
“I saw how rewarding that experience was when I taught my grandmother, I thought maybe I can help other seniors,” Joshi said.
The Crystal Springs Uplands School sophomore said there’s a lot of skill that comes with solving the colorful cube. It can improve mental health and increase socialization for those feeling lonely in nursing homes.
“Not only does this improve their hand-eye coordination and their strength, but it improves their mental agility and ability to improve their cognitive mapping, which is basically the brain’s ability to recollect information and improve their memory,” he said.
Joshi takes a few hours out of his week to visit vaccinated residents at the Mills Estate Villa assisted living facility. He’s already starting to notice a change.
“They remember what my name is. They completely recognize me when I see them. That, to me, is so rewarding every time. It drives me to continue teaching,” he said.
He said solving a Rubik’s cube also brings a sense of accomplishment. He would love to continue teaching this skill even after the pandemic.
“It doesn’t really matter what length I have to go to do this activity because the reward and satisfaction they have and the amount of excitement they get is just profound,” he said.
If you know someone who is working to keep us safe during the coronavirus pandemic and would like to nominate them as a KCBS Radio Difference Maker, email differencemakers@kcbsradio.com.
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