This Czech hospital creates a retro ‘60s atmosphere for its elderly patients

One of the most common complaints about extended hospital stays is a cold, sanitized atmosphere that might be suited to physical recovery, but may not do much for mental well-being.

But one Czech hospital is hoping to change that.

To great success, the aftercare department at Vítkovice Hospital in Ostrava has created a retro-style living room to assist its elderly patients rehabilitate, socialize, and even bring back some nostalgic memories.

The new room at the Czech hospital features furniture from the 1960s and 1970s including armchairs, couches, cabinets and even a sewing machine that were donated by members of the community after the hospital reached out on Facebook.

“We promoted the idea of ​​setting up a retro room on our hospital’s Facebook page, and there were immediately people who wanted to donate furniture and equipment,” Lenka Holubová, station nurse at the Hospital, said in a press release.

“Thanks to them, we opened it in December.”

According to the hospital, the room has immediately had a positive impact on its patients, helping them not only to relax in a nostalgic atmosphere but even bring back memories and exercise brain functions.

“In an environment that [the patients] may know from their youth, they recall many seemingly forgotten memories,” Holubová added.