Archuleta Seniors Inc. and the American Society on Aging (www.asaging.org) encourage everyone to celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on October 7, 2023. Modeled after the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (October 1), Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.
“We live in an aging society, which is a wonderful, remarkable thing,” says ASA’s Interim President & CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD. “But too many of us view aging with fear, denial and even hostility. We are all growing older. We can’t afford to limit ourselves and other people with such negative and harmful views… and why would we want to? Let’s lean into the opportunities, diversity and full range of experiences that come with aging.”
The most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice, ‘ageism’ is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others, or oneself, based on age.”
Evidence shows ageism is widespread in society and can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see on TV, advertising and in the media.
In a recent webinar from Changing the Narrative – Ending Ageism Together (www.changingthenarrativeco.org) on “Ageism in Healthcare,” speaker Kirs Geerken, Program Manager, said that ageism can shorten the lifespan by 7.5 years, hinder recovery, increase cognitive decline, social isolation and loneliness, and increase anxiety and depression.
Participants viewing the webinar at the Pagosa Senior Center provided some opinions about healthcare and ageism. Dr. Robert Hagberg, retired physician, said: “Some doctors talk their own language and just try to talk louder when you don’t understand; patients are intimidated because they don’t know enough about how to talk about the health issue.” Other participants added:
“The doctor didn’t seem to want to treat the issue that was bothering me because it’s ‘normal’ for my age.”
“I didn’t understand the current system of care, who you see at the appointment, so that needs to be explained by the healthcare staff.”
“The hospital staff thought that because I am older and was sick, my mind didn’t work well – if I can’t speak well, they assume I can’t understand.”
Self-advocacy is important when seeing a primary care provider. Go in with a written list of health concerns. Bring in a list or the actual bottles of any medications. Use statements such as “What matters most to me now is…” “Today I’d like to discuss….” Speak up if someone calls you honey or sweetie – say: “Please use my name.”
Senior Conversations
Join us Wednesdays at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall, snacks will be provided.
Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series
Gather with local yoga practitioner AJ Connors for a series of evidence based healthy aging and yoga therapy classes at the Pagosa Senior Center geared for adults and older adults of all ages. This yoga series promotes healthy aging for individuals with therapeutic classes offering yoga tools and education for strength, resilience, and wellness. Class is offered Mondays 2:30 pm-3:30 pm in the dining hall.
Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Thursday
Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $10.00, but no one will be turned away.
To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9am weekdays.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, Sept 14 – Harvest Chicken Salad Wrap, Macaroni Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit & Yogurt, Milk.
Friday, Sept 15 – Vegetable Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, Milk.
Monday Sept 18 – Green Chili Chicken, Pinto Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Churros, Milk.
Tuesday, Sept 19 – Beef Spaghetti w/Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, Sept 20 – Mahi-Mahi w/Mango Salsa Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Key Lime Pie, Milk.
Thursday, Sept 21 – Singapore Pork Coffee Ribs w/Rice, Squash Casserole, Garden Salad, Fruit , Milk.
Friday, Sept 22 – Vegetable Pizza, Sauteed Spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Eclair, Milk.
Grab-N-Go & Dine In Meals
Reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9:00 am the morning of the day you want to dine in or pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $10.00 helps to sustain our program. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.00 also. Please call or text us at 970-264-2167 to make a reservation.
Meals on Wheels
We deliver fresh Meals on Wheels five days a week (and provide frozen Meals on Wheels for weekends) to homebound Archuleta County residents. Call or text us at 970-264-2167.
Requesting Donations
ASI has an immediate monetary need to support ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. Please consider donating to Archuleta Seniors Inc. You may mail your donation to PO BOX 3444, Pagosa Springs CO 81147 or please visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button). Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors, Inc. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.