In Week 3, our class took a tour of the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center and a few senior affordable housing sites around San Diego. In this blog, I want to reflect on my experiences during these outings and also touch on the implications it had on my career goals and interests.
First, I was impressed with the comprehensive services the West Center provides - meals, case management, recreation (games, dances, educational presentations), etc. It was interesting to hear about how excited the seniors were about the guided exercise classes! I can imagine how fun it is to hang out with your friends while participating in a health-related activity. This reminds me of this week’s readings about the characteristics of older adults living in Blue Zones, specifically about the importance of being surrounded by a community that encourages healthy practices (i.e., regular exercise and healthy diet). Senior Wellness Centers are a great way for seniors to build an uplifting community. Overall, I had a great time socializing with the fun and enthusiastic clients at the West Center.
Moreover, the senior affordable housing tour was really impactful for me because it reinforced my interest in social work, specifically providing services for underserved and marginalized populations. Each of our staff at the different sites were knowledgeable about the barriers older adults can face when seeking permanent residence. There are just simply not enough affordable housing options. The gentleman we talked to at the SRO stated that rooms for rent used to go for around $700 a few years ago, now they are in the $1,300-1,500. This is more than what some seniors get in a month from Social Security. Moreover, programs that reduce the cost of rent (i.e., Section 8 and complex-specific stipends) have years long waiting lists. While this is the reality, I was inspired to hear about the efforts organizations, like Serving Seniors, make to help seniors in need. I wish I had more time to talk to the staff at each site about the complexities of finding housing. As I take the next steps in my social work career, I look forward to learning more about ways to help people who are currently experiencing housing insecurity.
First, I was impressed with the comprehensive services the West Center provides - meals, case management, recreation (games, dances, educational presentations), etc. It was interesting to hear about how excited the seniors were about the guided exercise classes! I can imagine how fun it is to hang out with your friends while participating in a health-related activity. This reminds me of this week’s readings about the characteristics of older adults living in Blue Zones, specifically about the importance of being surrounded by a community that encourages healthy practices (i.e., regular exercise and healthy diet). Senior Wellness Centers are a great way for seniors to build an uplifting community. Overall, I had a great time socializing with the fun and enthusiastic clients at the West Center.
Moreover, the senior affordable housing tour was really impactful for me because it reinforced my interest in social work, specifically providing services for underserved and marginalized populations. Each of our staff at the different sites were knowledgeable about the barriers older adults can face when seeking permanent residence. There are just simply not enough affordable housing options. The gentleman we talked to at the SRO stated that rooms for rent used to go for around $700 a few years ago, now they are in the $1,300-1,500. This is more than what some seniors get in a month from Social Security. Moreover, programs that reduce the cost of rent (i.e., Section 8 and complex-specific stipends) have years long waiting lists. While this is the reality, I was inspired to hear about the efforts organizations, like Serving Seniors, make to help seniors in need. I wish I had more time to talk to the staff at each site about the complexities of finding housing. As I take the next steps in my social work career, I look forward to learning more about ways to help people who are currently experiencing housing insecurity.