Last Wednesday, January 23rd, the class took a trip to the Gary and Mary West Wellness Center in downtown San Diego. The trip started with a presentation on the topics of elder poverty and what the center does to combat that issue. I found the presentation very interesting. I learned alot from it. I was especially shocked by the fact that the national poverty level was calculated in 1955, has not been accurately adjusted to modern costs of living, and does not take into account the fact that costs of living differs in different areas. It was also shocking to learn about how seniors typically use such a large percentage of their income to pay for housing and that so many were on the verge of homelessness.
After the presentation, we were given a tour of the facilities. We saw the various amenities offered--at no cost--to seniors who came. These include dental services, computer lessons, and social services. When we reached the cafeteria, we had the opportunity to meet and speak to the seniors present. I am admittedly a little shy when it comes to approaching people, so I was a little hesitant. Eventually, I did begin to talk to a few people. I talked to a Filipino woman who said that although she appreciated the center, she missed eating Filipino food and would prefer the food of her homeland over the food given. This made me think about how important certain comfort foods are especially when one is far from home or loved ones. Food is a key element of culture and can connect a person to his or her homeland. Not being able to eat those dishes can make a person feel isolated from their identity.
After the presentation, we were given a tour of the facilities. We saw the various amenities offered--at no cost--to seniors who came. These include dental services, computer lessons, and social services. When we reached the cafeteria, we had the opportunity to meet and speak to the seniors present. I am admittedly a little shy when it comes to approaching people, so I was a little hesitant. Eventually, I did begin to talk to a few people. I talked to a Filipino woman who said that although she appreciated the center, she missed eating Filipino food and would prefer the food of her homeland over the food given. This made me think about how important certain comfort foods are especially when one is far from home or loved ones. Food is a key element of culture and can connect a person to his or her homeland. Not being able to eat those dishes can make a person feel isolated from their identity.