Third LCS Blog Visit to Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center This week the seventh cohort Life Course Scholars Program, made a visit to the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego. Prior to receiving a tour around the Senior Center facility we were introduced to the head CEO Paul Downey. During his presentation he emphasized the purpose of the West Senior Wellness Center, which is an onsite communal space that allows seniors to interact with one another of the following programs and amenities (e.g. exercise classes, social activities, entertainment lounge areas, and dinning hall). He further articulated a trend that is growing rapidly, which is the elder population also known as the “Silver Tsunami.” Therefore, a leading concern within the state of California, is the cost of living, which has heavily impacted seniors of the homogeneity of affordable housing. For example, in one particular scenario there was an individual who was unable to meet the monthly rent by $300 dollars, that led him/her to becoming houseless, which is unfortunate to hear that a sum of this population are experiencing this. Although the West Senior Wellness Center is not a senior housing facility it demonstrates a sense of community where seniors are allowed to connect and socialize with one another. Love, Connect, and Care Event February 12, 2022 The event Love, Connect, and Care, was held at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, in downtown San Diego. This event was organized by the University of California San Diego (UCSD), from the seventh cohort Life Course Scholars Program, under the guidance of professor Leslie Lewis. Furthermore, this event had brought professor Lewis, TAs, and students together by devoting their time towards setting up an extraordinary, festive, memorable event for the seniors. It was a fun and active day where students engaged and connected with the seniors through fun social activities such as; (e.g. jeopardy, bean bag and ring toss, and a photo stand) that brought so much laughter. Also, there were other social activities that brought relaxation such as (e.g. potting a personalized sulcus plant, painting, and yoga), and the fun did not end. There were give away bags with personalized printed love letters from each cohort and goodies inside, also to mention a section of clothing apparel, jewelry, and home accessories were showcased for seniors to select from. During the final hour seniors who enter their raffle tickets had an opportunity to win a starbuck gift card or a gift bag. I would say this was the most climactic part of the event witnessing the cheers and smiles.
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Sarina LopezArchives
March 2022
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