I loved the Oral history projects presented in class this day. There were many caught my eye, but to name a few, Wayne’s presentation seemed very special to him. Especially since he brought in dreamcatchers he made himself with his mother and was a part of his cultural background was very touching and moving. Sallie’s presentation was very sweet and I can’t get over how beautiful her mother looked on her wedding day. THAT DRESS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! Anyways, I also really liked Victoria’s presentation. It’s apparent she has a long familial history in New York, which is really cool and interesting. Also, I learned that in order to find my other half I should go to a pharmaceutical convention! Overall, the presentations were very moving and raw. Raw, meaning we got to look into the lives of our classmates and look at who means a lot to them.
My favorite thing in class was listening to everyone’s oral history presentations. Everyone interviewed phenomenal people and really portrayed their stories really well. Especially the work they put into presenting them. Such as a box filled with hearts. Actual sculpted airplanes and flowers! Everyone that presented Wednesday did amazing which makes me nervous for this coming week! Don’t know if I can top everyone’s presentations.
In class on Wednesday 2/6/19 we went over a lot of upcoming deadlines. Such as current event presentations, book presentations, and the oral history project. On top of that the planning for the West center or Casa. I do feel very overwhelmed with all these assignments coming at me all at once. It was relieving to know that my oral history project can be due/presented on the week after since I’ll be presenting on the Fountain of Youth this coming week. I’m really excited for our NAPs. I’m excited to actually critique and look at the inclusivity of the neighborhood I grew up in San Diego. I never thought about it growing up but I’m curious now and think it’ll be informative and cool. Overall, I do wish my group (Casa group) would have more things to do for the prom. I just feel like we’re choosing decorations while for the West center they get to choose the theme and many more things. I feel like we’re not really planning anything or doing a big part foe the prom. Anyways, I am excited to find some decorations though!
I was really excited to visit Casa De Mañana because growing up I always passed by it but never entered or seen the inside. When they gave us some background information of the demographics of the seniors at their facility I was surprised that 40% of the male residents held a graduate degree. As the day went by I noticed the residents are mainly white. So there isnt much diversity at the facility. Compared to other locations we’ve seen and I believe income and many other factors play a part in that. To add on, their price range goes from $3,500-12,000 which is really expensive for a senior. I loved the library and how there’s large windows that overlooks the ocean and makes the room spacious. There were many books for the seniors choose from as well as labeled newspapers at a desk. The assisted living building was definitely a lot older and the stairwell kind of had a smell. I liked how we would pass by seniors in groups together doing physical therapy. (I believe we saw about 3 groups? If I’m not mistaken). I loved how three seniors told us our stories and basically lives. The senior residents stories really had me think on a deeper level that there is so much more to life that you can discover than just secluding yourself to your everyday routine. It inspired to try new things and that its okay for change, and if a hardship comes your way to still continue on your path. Overall, Casa de Mañana builds a community amongst their residents through planting and group activities which I think is essential for Senior living.
I was excited to go to downtown and actually experience a senior center that serves in that area. I remember walking in an looking to my right and seeing all the seniors in another room (which I later found out was where they watch tv) sitting and just straight “chilling.” When the director when over the demographics of the center it was honestly so shocking. A majority of the seniors they serve are well below the estimated federal poverty line. Which is absolutely shocking and saddening. Especially since they’re a demographic often forgotten or overlooked at. When we toured around the facility I liked how there was a whole floor for health and information. Especially the dental program they provide for the seniors. One of the seniors that was pictured in the dental office I saw while we were serving lunch. Which tells you that the people they help are actual people in need and by putting up pictures of them it makes them a part of their community. The cyber cafe was nice but pretty small. All the computers were used by seniors at the time we toured which may indicate that using computers is in demand and many seniors need to be able to access technology, especially during these times. My favorite part of the trip was talking to one of the seniors. I forgot his name, but his brother was a volunteer at the center. He seemed like he knew everybody and was a regular. He was happy to chat with us if it meant he would get some kind of money out of us.
I was really excited to see all of the different senior housing locations. When we arrived in Potiker Senior Living location, I noticed we were in a familiar setting. The same organization as the previous trip. Just the housing unit location. When we went over the background of the people they serve, what mind boggled was how the elder index should be much higher, since there’s more to people than just feeding them. Although it is very important to have a nutritious meal, there must be comfortable housing and a clean environment that provides growth.
When we met Irene, one of the residences at Potiker, her story really touched me. It’s crazy how much one can go through and how far they've come. She seems really happy at Potifker. She was mistreated at other centers and had to live around cockroaches and bed bugs. She’s a resilient woman and I wish her the best. The best location in my opinion was the North Park LGBQT Senior center. It provides growth with the different colored doors and floors. It provides an easily accessible living such as handle bars for walking, no stairs in the hallways, and open space and greenery. I’d like to believe their residences are happier than the other locations we saw because of what’s in front of their doors/doorsteps. I saw signs that said “help save the earth” and many “Welcome” ones. In contrast, at the hometel, the doors were decorated had more obscure and disturbing signs or decorations. Such as one that had a sign that said “beware of owner” with a picture of a gun. Plus, when we entered one of the rooms at the hometel, smoke was burning up my lungs and I couldn’t stay in their elong. The air quality was very poor compared to other locations. Which is saddening, since many of the residences are seniors, and if I couldn’t take in the air quality there I can’t imagine how it’s affecting them. I noticed the location of the hometel is not a very good area. There were ads for cannabis and a lot of trash laying around in the street. Vastly different from the other locations, ESPECIALLY the North Park location. Although the North Park location is amazing, it is much more expensive than the other location. Which would be a barrier to those who can’t afford it and must look to other alternatives that may not provide the best environment. Overall the lack of affordable housing for seniors in San Diego is really saddening and needs to be changed. Especially the lack of access to proper care and housing is even more saddening. I wish I can just make this huge center just like the North Park LGBQT center and send all the seniors there and give a great home to live. When we first arrived, me, Neena, Janan, and Shivan, we at first thought we were at the wrong location. It wasn’t until when we walked in we saw a familiar face and the receptionist. A few things I noticed at the Bayside Community Center was the little space, mirrors (was it previously a gym or dance location?), and Chinese new year equipment stored on one of the shelves. So I’m assuming maybe there’s a big Chinese/Asian demographic that utilizes the center. Zumba was so fun and hilarious at the same time. The elders knew what they were doing and us students were trying to keep up (which is really funny!). Zumba was difficult in the beginning but I think I got the hang of it after a while. I definitely would do it again to be honest.
After the zumba class a couple of classmates and I interacted with one of the elders that was at the zumba class. He’s Filipino-American and a US Veteran (Navy). He was telling us about his life and how he likes America because of the benefits. He’s been living in Linda Vista for about 25 years (?) I think but San Diego in general longer. He retired in Linda Vista because there’s a lot of services for Veterans around the are and close proximity to hospitals such as sharp etc. His wife and him go to Bayside Community Center for the Zumba classes and other activities. Sometimes the classes are free depending on the instructor etc. Him and his wife paid $6 altogether for the class ($3 each together but individual pricing is $4). One thing I learned was how important community centers are. They need support from the community to exist and provide to the community. Bayside has existed for 87 years but switched locations. I can see how valuable it is to the community members and the aging populations and hope it can persist to exist and keep building better resources for the community. Another thing I learned that no matter how a community center looks or is located it’s existence is valuable and needed. The entire vibe of Bayside Community Center was very wholesome and homey. I hope to go back at my own time and can't wait to visit with class next quarter. I remember when I first arrived I thought the area was so pretty and couldn’t believe we were having our retreat there. I liked the first game we played. It was funny seeing people ask the most random questions so they can figure out who they are. The funniest was Wayne. I remember he didn’t know any Harry Potter characters, so it took him a while to figure out he was Hermione, (I hope he doesn’t mind me calling him out haha). I was milk and my pair was cookies (the best pair!). The second game we played, the life course game, was such a nice twist on LIFE. It gave a different perspective depending on where you started off in life and showed how much your life is affected by it. (Such as the difference between disadvantaged/neutral/advantaged people). It’s really informative and I think it was the perfect game to play during retreat. You play and learn at the same time. Plus, my group won so that kind of had to be my favorite game. My absolute favorite part of retreat was the short walk we took. The weather and view were amazing. I remember as I was evaluating to see any problems etc. the sound of the waves crashing were soothing. I find it interesting how our retreat was right by the beach with lots of greenery and plants to look at, which made me think that no wonder why I’m calm and happy. Of course I’m happy with our amazing cohort, but the environment sort of adds to it. The beautiful view of the beach really made it for me. I added some photos of the view. The last activity we did, “When I’m 80,” really put thing into perspective. I’ve never thought about how I would see myself when I’m 80. I’ve thought about like 10-20 years ahead but not 80! I think ageism plays a part and nobody really thinks about how they’ll be when they’re really old. I liked hearing what other people thought as well. Overall, this retreat was so fun and I loved it! I loved getting to know everyone a little more and actually being active while learning.
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Leena LOZONWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2019
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