Senior Center goes virtual

written by SUSAN HURD, RSVP PROJECT MANAGER GUARDIANSHIP CARE MANAGER AND COMMUNITY EDUCATOR

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING INC./AREA AGENCY ON AGING

On March 12, 2020, Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order closing all the senior centers throughout the state of Maryland.

The Washington County Senior Center staff, understanding the importance of following the governor’s direction, feared that our members would become isolated. Isolation can lead to depression, which can exacerbate other health conditions. So, our innovative staff members decided they would continue to give all the senior center members the opportunity to stay engaged, interact with each other, learn new things, remain active and challenge themselves at home through virtual options.

It wasn’t long after that the Washington County Senior Center did what it set out to do. The first showing of a virtual gentle yoga class was available for everyone who tuned in to the Washington County Commission on Aging’s Facebook page. Then, through collaborative efforts with RSVP volunteers and senior center staff, tai chi became another weekly offering through the Facebook page.

Also, knowing the importance of keeping our aging communitysafe at home, we launched the new “Living in with Amy” segments on Facebook. They feature discussions with community experts on topics such as the importance of wearing masks; social distancing; scams; staying hydrated; buying and using food from local farmers markets; how to stay at home, but remain connected to friends and family; and much more.

Fast forward to today. Working with RSVP volunteers, community professionals and staff, the Washington County Senior Center has many virtual offerings that members can participate in from the comfort and safety of their homes. The center also offers support groups for caregivers and grandparents that meet virtually once a month.

Desiree Myers leads stretches weekly on Facebook Live for Washington County Senior Center followers.

Photo submitted

— Want to learn a new language? The center offers beginning, intermediate and advanced Spanish – as well as American Sign Language – through Zoom meetings.

— Want to keep moving? Join Desiree Myers on Facebook for stretching.

— Want to learn to paint or to improve your painting skills? Join the virtual acrylic painting class.

— Do you love to read and discuss books? The center has a virtual book club.

— Want to try something new? The center started virtual guided meditation.

For more information about any of these programs, or to become a member of the senior center, go to wccoaging.org. Membership is free.

Want to learn more about Medicare? The Commission on Aging staff will help during the “New to Medicare” workshops on the second Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is required at www.eventbrite.com/e/new-to-medicare-workshop-online-tickets-111698984670.

The staff also will help you understand supplemental Medicare policies on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is required at www.eventbrite. com/e/supplementing-medicare-what-you-need-to-knowtickets-112648671208.

For more information, send an email to info@wccoaging.org or call 301-790-0275.

There are a variety of informational and educational offerings available to help people stay safe during the pandemic. Check out our Facebook page for details at www.facebook.com/WCCOAging.