In a facility for the elderly, the activities that engage the elderly guests on a daily basis are varied and aimed at various purposes (rediscovery of manual skills, relationships, stimulation of listening, dialogue and memory). The one organised in the RSA 'I Girasoli' in Livorno is certainly something very special and unusual.

The guests of the facility, in fact, were involved in a curious 'restoration' activity. The aim of the project is to keep them active and rediscover the pleasures of the person, but also to stimulate the action of 'taking care': restoring a piece of shabby furniture in means taking care of the artefact at 360 degrees. With the support of specially formulated treatment products, the surface layer can be easily removed, the wood can be coloured to bring out its grain and, at the same time, the wood fibres can be nourished and revitalised.

"Our guests were surprised when we proposed this activity," says Sabrina Bianchi, director of the facility, "but they were enthusiastic during all phases. It was very nice, both for us and for them, to contribute to the 'rebirth' of this furniture, which from now on will keep us company in the facility. This furniture has been in our residence for many years, but had been abandoned to the elements outside. We wanted to give them a new life, starting to use them again".