In today's class, we debriefed how to improve senior prom and our experience at Casa de Mañana. In regards to the prom, the whole class agreed that it was a major success and also that more time would have improved the experience for both the students and the elders in attendance. Few of us had an opportunity to connect with the Serving Seniors clients, because we were busy cleaning, serving, decorating, etc. Hopefully next year the Serving Seniors employees can be paid to stay longer so LCSers are given more time to relax and enjoy.
While discussing our experiences at Casa de Mañana, the professors elaborated that many of the residents are able to afford to live there because of pensions from their previous careers. Unfortunately, many employers have phased out pensions and replaced them with 401(k) plans that don’t necessarily guarantee employees payment during their retirement. Thus, it may become more and more difficult for the elders of the future to afford accommodations as luxurious as Casa de Mañana. Further, Sophia mentioned how "mentally sharp" the majority of the residents appeared, with remarkably less dementia than residents we have heard about or interacted with at other sites. This discrepancy may be attributed to the ample opportunities for elders to exercise their mind and body at Casa, including multiple lecture series, workshops, and classes each day.
While discussing our experiences at Casa de Mañana, the professors elaborated that many of the residents are able to afford to live there because of pensions from their previous careers. Unfortunately, many employers have phased out pensions and replaced them with 401(k) plans that don’t necessarily guarantee employees payment during their retirement. Thus, it may become more and more difficult for the elders of the future to afford accommodations as luxurious as Casa de Mañana. Further, Sophia mentioned how "mentally sharp" the majority of the residents appeared, with remarkably less dementia than residents we have heard about or interacted with at other sites. This discrepancy may be attributed to the ample opportunities for elders to exercise their mind and body at Casa, including multiple lecture series, workshops, and classes each day.