The past year has been anything but business-as-usual here at Aging Ahead, but luckily, we have an amazing staff that continually rises above and beyond challenges, creating inventive solutions to stay connected to those we serve.
Angela has been a Resource Center Assistant (RCA) at the Affton center for the past four years, and throughout her time with the Agency, older adults who regularly attended the Affton center always raved that the activities and programs provided were engaging and thoughtfully planned. When the pandemic hit last March, centers shut down to the public, and many seniors felt they had lost their social connections. It was a devastating time for many, Aging Ahead staff adapted and took critical action.
Angela discussed the plan to incorporate socially distant programming for her participants. “Within two months of shutting down, we realized we had to reach out to clients in a different way. We were calling clients weekly, but it wasn’t enough to keep their engagement. We decided to try virtual activities.”
Throughout the year, Angela has helped many of her clients join the online world to discuss art and culture as a group by virtually visiting museums all over the world including, London, Paris, Seoul, Amsterdam, and St. Petersburg! For many, this has literally opened a new world of experiences to those who thought their traveling days were long gone. “I look forward to this every week. We get to go to places I would never have the chance to otherwise, and we get to do it together!”
Angela has even started her own art program, Watercolor Wednesday’s, in which she paints a watercolor over Zoom, and attendees are entered in a raffle to win that week’s masterpiece! Those without a computer or internet access are able to join in over the phone so that all can participate.
Many folks have expressed their gratitude for these adaptive and interactive programs:
-“It’s so great to hear such a happy, strong voice. This is a breath of fresh a air.”
-“This is the only way I get to talk to people and visit. I’m immunocompromised and haven’t left my house in a year. I need this.”
-“This helps me not go crazy in my apartment.”
We know from numerous studies that social isolation is as harmful to one’s health as smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. Angela stated that, “this year has been devastating for our clientele. We can’t provide hugs from their grandchildren but what we can do is make sure they know they aren’t alone.” Angela , and Aging Ahead staff like her, have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic so that those we serve continue to feel connected to their communities and to each other.
Support Highlights:
- Resource Center Support
- Education & Learning Programs
- Telephone Reassurance Program
If you would like to donate or volunteer to support Aging Ahead and other critical programs, please visit us at www.agingahead.org/donate/. Thank you.