Perspectives on animation activities in nursing homes in an economically struggling country: A qualitative study

Background: Animation or recreational activities have shown cognitive, psychological, and social benefits for older adults. Yet, their implementation in resource-constrained settings or economically struggling countries like Lebanon is limited and underexplored. The objectives of this study were to explore the realities of animation in Lebanese nursing homes and identify notable challenges and future perspectives for the implementation of animation in the care of older people, especially in light of the country’s circumstances, and evaluate the role of nurses in integrating animation with elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: A literature review and qualitative study were conducted. Semi-structured interviews with 34 nurses from three large nursing homes were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Most nurses recognized the value of animation activities in reducing loneliness, improving mood, engagement, and cognition, but only a few were involved in formal planning. Key barriers were economic constraints, staffing shortages, high workloads, limited training, and low institutional recognition. Discussion: Despite nurses’ relational proximity to residents and informal supportive roles, systemic economic and organizational obstacles limit consistent implementation. This research proposes a preliminary framework linking macroeconomic strain to reduced animation capacity and downstream impacts on residents’ quality of life. Conclusion: Animation offers a low-cost, non-pharmacological pathway to enhance older adults’ well-being in economically challenged contexts, but requires commitment, resource allocation, and workforce training to translate recognition into routine care.