New Program Connects Seniors to Yoga, Tai Chi, Art, Music, By Laura

COMMUNITY NEWS New Program Connects Seniors to Yoga, Tai Chi, Art, Music

By Laura Romero

For more than 200 days, many seniors have been left on their own to navigate ways of staying active, social and healthy since the California shelter-inplace orders took effect.

According to researchers, 8 out of 10 COVID-19 related deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years and older, so sheltering in place is vital to their health. However, restrictions on in-person services and social gatherings have led to increased risks of cognitive decline, isolation, loneliness and depression. For low-income seniors, these effects are intensified by limited access to, and understanding of, technology. When Elderday Adult Day Health

Maria Smith Care, a program of Community Bridges, was forced to transition to remote services, the agency looked for a new solution to fill the gap and bring vulnerable seniors back into a sense of community.

Community Bridges reached out to other local agencies serving seniors and proposed a collaborative and innovative program to connect seniors to each other, as well as to engage in activities to improve cognitive processes and combat isolation while staying safe in their own homes.

The Senior Center Without Limits is a shared effort with the City of Santa Cruz, City of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County Parks and County Parks Friends, and is available at no cost to all people age 60 and up in Santa Cruz County. The program helps seniors overcome the digital divide as it provides access to resources such as tablets, internet connectivity and tech support.

The program features more than 15 instructor-led classes each week, such as yoga, tai chi, book clubs, art and music, plus support groups and computer classes. In October, the Senior Center Without Limits had 469 seniors participate in classes.

“Senior Center Without Limits allows seniors that have been sheltering at home for months to relate with peers, to move their bodies and use their creativity,” said Lois Sones, program director at Elderday Adult Day Health Care. “We have seen many of our participants experience cognitive and physical declines since they More than 15 instructor-led classes are being offered online at no charge for Santa Cruz County seniors 60 and up. have been sheltering in place and not attending the center. Seniors who are socially connected have better physical, mental and emotional health and the Senior Center Without Limits is a great means to get them there.”

“Senior Health” page 7