Archuleta Seniors Inc. and the American Society on Aging (ASA) will celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on October 9, 2024. Modeled after the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 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 President & CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD. “However, 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 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.”
One of the most widespread and socially accepted forms 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.” It impacts us at all ages, every time people make assumptions about us because of our age.
Evidence shows ageism can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see in entertainment, advertising and the media.
“The American Society on Aging and our members, partners and allies are raising awareness about ageism and its harms,” adds Clark-Shirley, “so we can each take steps to change how we feel and act about aging. I hope you will join us!”
About the American Society on Aging
The American Society on Aging unites, empowers, and champions everyone working in aging. Since 1954, ASA has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. As a result, ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults. For further information about ASA, visit www.asaging.org.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. Fall Fundraiser
Let the doubled donations pile up like the leaves in autumn! Jump into the pile! As the seasons change, so too does Archuleta Seniors Inc.’s need to reach out again to our caring community for support. Thanks to the kind donation of a matching grant provided by an anonymous benefactor your generous donation during our fall fundraiser will be doubled up to $5000 through the end of October.
Although we are very grateful to our current funding partners, Archuleta County, San Juan Basin Area on Aging, Town of Pagosa Springs, and grants from private foundations, still, it is not enough. 37% of our funds are dependent on our ability to fundraise, via fundraising campaigns, community events, and the generosity of people like you! Unfortunately, we have been informed that we can expect an 18% decrease in funding this next fiscal year even while our operation costs and need for services continue to increase. But with your help, we can make a difference and enhance the lives of our 60+ community and those who care about them!
Donations can be made directly to Archuleta Seniors Inc., located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd in Pagosa Springs or by mail P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs. CO 81147. We also take donations by phone, please call 970-264-2167 or online donations via our Colorado Gives, Archuleta Seniors Inc. fall fundraising page: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Asifallfundraiser
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Oct 4 and Oct 11. The price to participate is free and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks will also be provided. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come first serve. For more information contact us at 970.264.2167.
Tai Chi
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (meet at the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall located in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center) to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice. All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour at the park through October. No special special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call 970-264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays 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. Hold space and show up for sacred conversation. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.
Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
Open to All. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Fridays 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 $6.00, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60. To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9 am weekdays.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, October 3 – Pork Carnitas w/ Chimichurri sauce, Zesty Black Beans, Corn Tortillas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, October 4 – Chinese Plum Chicken w/ Jasmine Rice, Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Monday, October 7 – Vegetarian Lentil Chili, Honey Cornbread, Wilted Spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk.
Tuesday, October 8 – Chicken Dijon, Scalloped Potatoes,Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Strawberry Shortcake, Milk.
Wednesday, October 9 – Lemon Cod Fish over Cous-Cous with Herbs, Green Beans, Orange
Fennel Salad, Fruit, Lemon Cake, Milk.
Thursday, October 10 – Beef Fajitas w/ Onions & Peppers, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, October 11 – Navy Bean & Bacon Soup, Focaccia Bread, Blueberry Cobbler, Beet Salad with Feta & Walnuts, Fruit, Milk.
Text Us @ 970-264-2167
Don’t forget that we also offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are calling to cancel a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel. Texting services are available for dining-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals, and Meals on Wheels recipients.
Covid-19 Test Kits
The Pagosa Senior Center will no longer be distributing free Covid-19 test kits. Please stop by the Archuleta County Public Health Department at 502 S. 8th St. These kits are available to anyone in the public that needs affordable access for health promotion and disease prevention.
ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open
Terms are 3 years with an option to renew for an additional term. Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services. Please stop by our offices at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application or call 970-264-2167 for more information.
Support Our Seniors
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. You may mail your donation to PO BOX 3444, Pagosa Springs CO 81147 or 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/