My experience at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center was charming. The atmosphere felt welcoming. A quote posted on one wall reads, “REMEMBER YOU ARE A CITIZEN OF THIS WORLD, AND EVERYBODY NEEDS YOU. YOU’LL FIND HAPPINESS IN THE GIVING OF YOURSELF” -Joaquin Anguera. Black and white portraits of beautifully aged diverse faces are on the adjacent wall. We sat underneath these portraits and were informed about the challenges the senior unhoused folks were facing in San Diego. There is a lack of affordable housing available for these citizens. I also learned that due to the unhoused folks that choose to not participate or refuse to respond, there is a discrepancy between the actual amount of unhoused folks and the counted amount. Learning about the disparity that these humans were facing was disheartening because the majority of these folks grew up in San Diego.
While touring The Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, we were able to chat with an array of lovely people. When learning about their dental services, we met Laura. She shared a story about how she was able to provide information to a senior gentleman about the center’s dental services. She emphasized how having the ability to smile can provide joy. So with a couple of visits, he was able to have a new smile. It was truly a pleasure to meet someone that enjoyed her work. When entering the activities room, the Bone-Building Fitness activity recently concluded. The window wall curved in the slightly cylindrical room. We were informed that the room was an old car showroom. There we met Marie, a senior volunteer at the center. She was in her seventies, filled with spunk, and had a positive drive for volunteering at the center. She spoke about the importance of recycling and how she was able to teach a recycled art class earlier in the month. Within the corner of the activity room sat various pieces of beautifully painted bouquets made with recycled bottles from participating seniors. Her contributions to the community are admirable and I was truly delighted to be in her company.
I was pleased by the resources the center provided for the seniors. They had breakfast and lunch dine-in for seniors at different times of the day. I was part of the group that served the food during one of the lunch times. There we met Fred. Fred was the “boss” of the operation. He wanted us to pass out the lunches efficiently. We were told to serve the women first. Fred proceeded to direct us to which tables to serve. I was able to get to know a little about Fred. He liked to groove and said that there was music playing in his head. I shimmied along with him and encouraged his dance moves. My interactions with him were fun, I look forward to our next encounter. After leaving, I reflected on how special humans truly are. It saddens me that our culture does not promote intergenerational communication more because the folks I encountered at the center had true wisdom to offer. They have the ability to be present and enjoy their lives. I appreciate that. I appreciate them.
While touring The Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, we were able to chat with an array of lovely people. When learning about their dental services, we met Laura. She shared a story about how she was able to provide information to a senior gentleman about the center’s dental services. She emphasized how having the ability to smile can provide joy. So with a couple of visits, he was able to have a new smile. It was truly a pleasure to meet someone that enjoyed her work. When entering the activities room, the Bone-Building Fitness activity recently concluded. The window wall curved in the slightly cylindrical room. We were informed that the room was an old car showroom. There we met Marie, a senior volunteer at the center. She was in her seventies, filled with spunk, and had a positive drive for volunteering at the center. She spoke about the importance of recycling and how she was able to teach a recycled art class earlier in the month. Within the corner of the activity room sat various pieces of beautifully painted bouquets made with recycled bottles from participating seniors. Her contributions to the community are admirable and I was truly delighted to be in her company.
I was pleased by the resources the center provided for the seniors. They had breakfast and lunch dine-in for seniors at different times of the day. I was part of the group that served the food during one of the lunch times. There we met Fred. Fred was the “boss” of the operation. He wanted us to pass out the lunches efficiently. We were told to serve the women first. Fred proceeded to direct us to which tables to serve. I was able to get to know a little about Fred. He liked to groove and said that there was music playing in his head. I shimmied along with him and encouraged his dance moves. My interactions with him were fun, I look forward to our next encounter. After leaving, I reflected on how special humans truly are. It saddens me that our culture does not promote intergenerational communication more because the folks I encountered at the center had true wisdom to offer. They have the ability to be present and enjoy their lives. I appreciate that. I appreciate them.