Only two weeks into the current quarter, “The Life Course Scholars Program” has enriched my understanding of the complexities of aging. When applying and enrolling to take the course I was not entirely sure what to expect or how it would change the way I saw the world around me. During our retreat, two activities stood out to me as being greatly significant. The first activity instructed us to break out into groups and we were given specific real-world scenarios about financial situations of typical seniors. Through this exercise, I learned how common it is for seniors to be economically insecure, and in need of major assistance from their government, community, and family. This led me to our next activity which was mapping out what we think our life would be like at 80, my mapped-out life at this age consisted of things like living in a small town by the ocean, baking desserts, and getting visits from friends and family. I soon realized that this life on paper in front of me was not accounting for things like accessibility, support, and many other resources I know that I will need. While I dream at 80 of walking down the beach with the ocean breeze blowing through my hair and the sunshine on my face, everyone has their fantasies but it is important to keep these dreams in mind when making life decisions, voting for elected officials, and using our voice in actively participating in the community around us.
This past week we visited the Gary and Mary West Center to see firsthand how they help impoverished seniors with resources, meals, activities, and collaborative partnerships. As I arrived on site in the morning it was so wonderful to see so many people happy to be at the center and taking advantage of all they have to offer. There was a diverse community of people gathering together when we arrived working to get what they may have needed out of the center that day, this may include taking a fitness class, meeting with a social worker, enjoying a fresh meal, visiting the dental clinic, using a computer, or even just sitting in a warm dry shelter and enjoying the television. As a class, we had the privilege of serving lunch to these wonderful humans who were nothing but grateful and happy to be there. Not only are they getting what they need individually, but they are also given the opportunity to give back to their community by helping to serve, clean, or even host a class that may have been something that they specialize in, for example a crafting class or an author's hour. The Gary and Mary West Center truly changes the lives of those who are lucky enough to experience what they have to offer.
Lastly, I would like to introduce Sandie, a lovely lady that I had the opportunity to meet at the Gary and Mary West Center. Sandie frequently makes visits to the center to take advantage of what they have to offer, especially being able to conversate with the people around her. She described to me the challenges she faces as a senior living alone such as difficulty on poorly paved sidewalks in her power wheelchair or taking public transportation just to get to an affordable grocery store. A piece of advice she shared with me that she wanted to pass along to us college students was to make friends with someone who owns a Costco membership card! She said the trick is to warm yourself up to a Costco butcher, as they will frequently give you smaller amounts of meat at a great price and that's how she makes her favorite steak meal at home. Sandie also shared wonderful parts of her life such as traveling with her children, becoming a grandmother, and stories of living in San Diego. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a small peek into the life of such a beautiful individual leaving me excited to visit the Gary and Mary West Center again.
This past week we visited the Gary and Mary West Center to see firsthand how they help impoverished seniors with resources, meals, activities, and collaborative partnerships. As I arrived on site in the morning it was so wonderful to see so many people happy to be at the center and taking advantage of all they have to offer. There was a diverse community of people gathering together when we arrived working to get what they may have needed out of the center that day, this may include taking a fitness class, meeting with a social worker, enjoying a fresh meal, visiting the dental clinic, using a computer, or even just sitting in a warm dry shelter and enjoying the television. As a class, we had the privilege of serving lunch to these wonderful humans who were nothing but grateful and happy to be there. Not only are they getting what they need individually, but they are also given the opportunity to give back to their community by helping to serve, clean, or even host a class that may have been something that they specialize in, for example a crafting class or an author's hour. The Gary and Mary West Center truly changes the lives of those who are lucky enough to experience what they have to offer.
Lastly, I would like to introduce Sandie, a lovely lady that I had the opportunity to meet at the Gary and Mary West Center. Sandie frequently makes visits to the center to take advantage of what they have to offer, especially being able to conversate with the people around her. She described to me the challenges she faces as a senior living alone such as difficulty on poorly paved sidewalks in her power wheelchair or taking public transportation just to get to an affordable grocery store. A piece of advice she shared with me that she wanted to pass along to us college students was to make friends with someone who owns a Costco membership card! She said the trick is to warm yourself up to a Costco butcher, as they will frequently give you smaller amounts of meat at a great price and that's how she makes her favorite steak meal at home. Sandie also shared wonderful parts of her life such as traveling with her children, becoming a grandmother, and stories of living in San Diego. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a small peek into the life of such a beautiful individual leaving me excited to visit the Gary and Mary West Center again.