“In addition, we also offer intergenerational recreational activities like cooking classes. This year, our squash blossom quesadilla class was a favorite. It provided a way for grandparents to connect with their adult children and young grandchildren,” says Aleta Dimas, adult services administrator for the Sonoma County Library. The BiblioBus, a mobile library that makes stops at senior centers and senior housing communities, draws many older adults searching for new books. “People often come with their friends. There’s camaraderie built around these visits,” says Dimas. Libraries are always looking for ways to support individuals with memory issues. One method is Memory Kits, a project that is a component of the partnership between the Sonoma County Library and the Mendocino County Library. “The kits include movies, music, books and puzzles from different decades, like the 1950s. They allow older adults to connect with things that are important to them. They’re a great way for friends to share favorites with one another and caregivers to spark conversations,” says Dimas. Learning can happen in social clubs as well. SIR, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, is a social organization that has chapters throughout California. Every chapter of the organization is open only to men. The exception is Chapter 92 of SIR, in Oakmont, which also welcomes women. Marianne Neufeld, who serves as President of SIR 92, says the organization frequently invites speakers to talk about subjects ranging from autism to nature. “We have about 75 members, who love to get together, talk and plan outings, like to the 6th Street Playhouse. I’ve seen attendance at a SIR talk lead to friendships form outside the presentation room,” says Neufeld. Seniors often enjoy learning from one another. At LGBTQ Connection’s center in Napa, between four to six queer seniors gather every month to interact with peers. “Safety is an important topic. People share how to come out late in life, to their doctor, family members and new friends. There’s so much to learn and it takes time to build trust. That’s why we sit together and learn about each other’s lives. Then we can understand what to teach each other,” says Coach Bailie, Napa program director for LGBTQ Connection. A number of programs for older adults focus on promoting good health. Avoiding falls is an important topic, says Denise Johnson, director of senior nutrition and health services for Council on Aging in
Santa Rosa.
“We offer fall- prevention and aging- in-place programs and many other services, like Meals on Wheels and senior peer support. We hold these programs at senior centers, low-income housing community rooms and in households of homebound seniors,” says Johnson. It is helpful to hold the program in a person’s living space because many high-risk seniors are homebound and cannot drive or easily walk to their residence community rooms. The Council on Aging sends a trained employee to participants’ homes twice a week. Seniors are assessed for mobility, flexibility and strength. The staff then create a customized exercise plan to address each participant’s specific needs. “Overall, the Council on Aging’s programs serve close to 6,500 seniors a year. Most of our programs have waitlists showing the need for these services. The only program without a waitlist is congregate [group] dining,” says Johnson. She attributes this to the fact that many seniors continue to exercise caution in group settings. Learning from the pandemic As North Bay organizations move forward in encouraging seniors to socialize, they are keeping in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on older adults’ mental and physical health. Successful strategies depend on organizations
A balance class at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center. [Photo courtesy Sebastopol Area Senior Center]
The Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus at Santa Rosa Junior College. [Photo by Jason Steger]
Participants in the Caring Rides program of Catholic Charities share a hug. [Photo courtesy Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa]
A group from the Russian River Senior Center enjoy Bodega Head. [Photo courtesy West County Community Services]
February 2025
NorthBaybiz 25
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