This past Wednesday, on January 19th, the class of Life Course Scholars were finally back in the classroom after many amazing trips to JFS, the West Center, and other sites! However, we still had a packed schedule of book presentations, current events, debriefed, and oral history presentations. The book we discussed on was, “The Chair Rocks” by Ashton Applewhite, it highlights many key aspects as to the predicament of the anti-aging nature and it’s negative social effects. It was an informative, captivating read, and I appreciate how she sectionalized her topics to isolate and focus on ideas of the aging ideations. Additionally, even though there are strong opinions provided by Applewhite that may not be agreeable to all readers she allows for certain ideas to be acknowledged, so that others have the ability to be aware and decide to challenge or accept her opinions on aging. Next, in current events there were many new presentations that I wasn’t aware about and am shocked to hear about. Especially, the article on lack of care and providers available to the community in Nigeria. This is extremely heartbreaking to hear on both ends- the healthcare team and the people in need there- because on one end the available providers are completely overworked and stretched thin; while, the sick need attention and have no means of receiving it. Lastly, during class we had oral history presentations. Along with some of my classmates and I, we were able to present on our extraordinary person. I had chosen my grandmother for this assignment, and had learned so much about her history and her character overall. It was an incredibly vulnerable experience to me sharing something so intimate such as her losses and dramatic life changes. However, it was also quite empowering to share her story and give her a voice she never thought she had. It was also interesting to hear my fellow classmate EP’s stories. All of which have been through so much and have such amazing stories to share. I think the oral history project not only allows us to share all sorts of memories, but also to create bonds with persons we might take for granted. Or even, to simply learn more about why someone has these certain quirks despite knowing them all your life.
On Wednesday, January 5th, students headed to Bayside Community Center in downtown San Diego. The Life Course Scholars participated in on an hour long intergenerational zumba class. It is safe to say that we all got our groove on, and that the seniors definitely had much more energy than the students. However, due to the upbeat music and amazing instructor, Linda, the zumba class did not even feel like exercise. In fact, I feel like in normal workouts you tend to count the minutes until you are done, but the class went by so fast because of how enjoyable it was. It was so much fun dancing that I could not stop smiling and laughing. Afterwards, I had the fortunate opportunity of speaking with Kathy who is a senior that has been coming to Bayside for years. She actively participates in all the services and exercises that Bayside has to offer. I definitely was not able to catch up with her out on the dance floor. It was amazing to hear how she loves Zumba and staying active because it motivates her to get out of the bed in the morning! Kathy also shared that because she is a spanish speaker she loves the fact that the instructor plays Spanish songs which makes her want to dance more and sing along. This zumba class was so engaging, and so interactive that it created a space for anyone there to just have fun and let loose! This is shown by how the seniors there continue to come every week sometimes every Monday and Wednesday to participate.
This past week on Wednesday the Life Course Scholars were able to meet and tour the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center located at 1525 Fourth Avenue, San Diego. Students were also given an overview of the center by Paul Downey, the president and CEO of Serving Seniors. In comparison to the other site visits we have had on affordable senior housing, this visit was focused on the services that it provided for the senior community. Some notable features that the center provides is breakfast and lunch every weekday, a media room, a computer lounge, game room, and a variety of legal and health services. These services included social workers, check ups with RNs, psychiatry nurses, and dental work. Mr.Downey noted how important it was for the center that it provided dental care to its seniors because of how quickly and dangerously mouth infections can lead to overall health complications quite easily. This made me realize how fortunate I am to even complain about having to go to the dentist when there are many out there who do not have and/or have lack of access to dental services that may lead to very harmful illnesses if not treated quickly and properly. After, the tour of the center students were able to mingle with the seniors waiting to be served lunch. After conversing with a few seniors, it was a common theme that many of them come to the center to socialize and for its sense of security. In fact, to all three of the seniors I spoke with they said that the table we were at were the table they sat at everyday! Additionally, one gentleman not only held the table for his friends, but also set out a cup of water for each person when they come. It was just warming to see how these seniors have found a small home away from home with the West Center. After, the students gowned up in some aprons and gloves and served the seniors their lunch trays. Personally, I loved the idea of serving the seniors and not having them line up to receive their meals. I feel like this makes the experience much more personable, and lessens the fear of what if I won’t be able to get a meal? This entire experience has made me even more excited for the senior prom, and I can not wait to have it all finalized!
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Katie HuynhArchives
June 2020
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