Casa de Manana prom is tonight! Trying to follow the rock and roll theme a little, I wore my black bomber jacket and ripped jeans. I was excited to meet the Casa members and have fun with them at prom. As soon as I walked in, I saw the great decorations, colorful photo-booth, and a lively audience. The Casa residents were enjoying the music, chatting, taking photo-booth pictures with my classmates, drinking champagne and overall having a great time. There wasn’t really anyone dancing though which is why some of my classmates and I decided to get the prom rolling (obviously after taking a bunch of photo-booth pics). We went on the dance floor and encouraged some of the seniors to join us. One of the ladies, Linda, was very happy to dance and she took me to the middle of the dance floor even though no one was there!! I was so shy because everyone was watching us but they cheered us on and I had a really great time dancing with her. She twirled me around, we made some killer moves and eventually got other people to join us. When we were taking a breather, Linda told me she felt so energetic and was really enjoying dancing. After, I talked to some of the seniors sitting down. When I asked them to dance, they said their entertainment was watching all of us! So I instead sat down and answered their questions about the LCS program, my majors and how one of the seniors we talked to worked as an Urban Development Planner for the city of San Diego! After giving away raffle prizes (such pretty succulents), we danced a bit more, talked, ate and I later helped clean up. It was overall a wonderful experience and going to Geisel after, I was still in a party mood!!
Today two of my classmates and I presented on the book, “This Chair Rocks’ by Author and activist Ashton Applewhite. The book was an eye-opening read as it helped me realize that we should not be fearful of aging and how elders are so much more capable than society often thinks. There are so many stereotypes we need to overcome about aging as it contributes to the negative idea of ageism. Aging means living! I learned about how more elders are happier than ever once they become older. Today was also part two of memoirs! I was able to capture more in depth each person’s amazing memoir and EPs. Such as Wayne’s dreamcatchers, its energy and relation to the Native American history of his mom, Sallie’s mom’s memories getting her PhD and finding the love of her life (her wedding dress was so pretty!), Victoria’s dad’s beginning of new life in America (Manhattan), living in Chinatown tenements, achieving higher education, meeting his wife and the cookbook memoir to relive memories. Maria presented on her dad in the form of a restaurant menu memoir and how her dad loves spending time with his family so much. Emily and her grandmother who helped build a dam, marriage and living in Hong Kong, Nicolette’s uncle’s positivity and peace with his memories, Mandy’s friend gaining happiness and love. Each memoir was so touching and many of my classmates were able to get never before seen pictures that they would not have gotten before this project and how they learned so much from their EP’s life adventures, struggles, and over comings.
Today’s the day I get to present my grandma’s memoir, “The Various Forms of Life”! I stayed up a bit to do the finishing touches as printing the memoir onto the small, delicate hearts required me to actually measure the font sizes and pictures. After sending my mom and grandma a picture of the completed project, I headed over to class for my current events presentation. My group presented on co-housing and how it could be beneficial for both the elder and student. Combining the elderly intergenerationally not only helps financially for both the elder and the student but also provides a sense of companionship. For those who are still working age, it’s getting harder to pay the rent. Also, studies show that most people want to stay in their homes or communities as they age or age in place as we know. But an increasing number of those 65 and older still have mortgages to pay. After the current events, we got to present our memoirs. I was very happy to talk about my grandma’s memories and showcasing the jewelry box as she means so much to me and I got to learn about different parts of her childhood and her life through this activity. Her memorable childhood, love for theater, dance, singing and passion for teaching was so great to talk about. I never knew she went to professional singing school before she became a well-known and respected teacher. Her struggles when coming to America to make a living, raising her kids, and dealing with help problems like her heart attack and back problems made my grandma so strong and I love her so so much. I am excited to show her the jewelry box in person when I go back. My classmates memoirs were so creative and it touched me to hear about their EP with such love and with a smile on their face.
Arriving at the Casa de Manana Senior Center, I was amazed to see how close it was to the beautiful La Jolla shores. Just a quick walk over and the beach is at your feet! Touring Casa was just as spectacular as I saw seniors participating in different activities such as group exercises and movie viewing (I wanted to join) at the mini-theater. All around the residence, I could see flyers posted about different events such as fun tours around San Diego, bible-studies, and various celebrations. We met a resident who just turned 100!! During the tour, we saw various places where the residents can get together such as the vast dining hall overlooking the shores, a physical therapy center, swimming pool, movie lounge, game and computer room, and the expansive villas. I could tell that Casa was a great place to reside as the whole set-up was meant so the residents can easily talk and participate. My thoughts were confirmed when we met three different individuals who lived there and talked about their life journeys and why they came to Casa de Manana. I learned that they went through many life journeys, both good and bad, but once they decided to reside in Casa they have loved it. Casa provides three meals, cleaning services, transportation and many other amenities. Many of the residents actively participate for social change for aging such as through donations and fundraising for elders who are less fortunate. It touches my heart as it is important for not only for us to help others to advocate for healthy aging, but also for people helping others their own age. I am excited to come back to hear more stories from the wonderful residents and plan prom!
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SHIVANI PATELWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2019
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