Daylight Savings Time can be more than just a minor inconvenience for seniors; it can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, routines, and overall well-being. As clocks move forward or backward, even a one-hour shift can interfere with the body’s internal clock, leading to fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of falls.
For older adults who already manage chronic health conditions, medication schedules, or memory challenges, the time change can create confusion and temporary setbacks. Studies have also shown that changes in sleep patterns may contribute to heightened anxiety or feelings of depression, particularly for seniors who live alone.
Fortunately, there are simple strategies that can help ease the transition. Seniors can begin adjusting their sleep schedule by 10 to 15 minutes a few days before the time changes to allow their bodies to adapt gradually. Maintaining consistent meal times, staying hydrated, and getting exposure to natural daylight can also help reset the body’s rhythm. Family members and caregivers can assist by reviewing medication times, setting clear clocks, and checking in more frequently during the adjustment period.
With a little preparation and support, seniors can minimize the effects of Daylight Saving Time and maintain their health, safety, and daily routines.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays from 1:15 to 2:15pm at the Pagosa Senior Center.Salmansohn brings to the conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences.
Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, stay for a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 – 3:30pm, following Senior Conversations.
Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00am. The stretching and mobility classes for adults aged 55 or better are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th-century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles to make matching sets and pairs (like poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair. Come to the Senior Center to play every Tuesday at 1:15pm.
Bridge
The game of Bridge is held on Tuesdays at 1:15pm every week. It has also been added on Wednesdays at 1:15 PM. Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
Emotional Freedom
On the second Thursdays of the month, from 1:30 to 2:30pm, join the “Tappers,” who practice the self-regulation technique of EFT to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class. Taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets from 8:45 to 10:30am on Thursdays. The Guild is an informal group that supports writers of all genres and experiences. The Guild support writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join the group.
Bingo
Join us for bingo on Friday, March 13 and 27, at 1:30pm. Participation is free, and all we ask is that you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We have prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks are also provided.
Dine-In and Grab‘N’Go Lunch Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family, and community at the Community Café, also known as the Silver Fox’s Den, in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11am and 1pm. Grab ‘N’ Go pickup via our convenient portico is also available all week, including Fridays. To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call (970) 264-2167 before 8:45am on weekdays. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go. 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.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, March 5 – Chicken Piccata over Linguine, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, March 6 – French Dip on Hoagie Roll with Au Jus, Cheesy Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Monday, March 9 – Greek Spanakopita Pie, Squash Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Tuesday, March 10 – Cod Fish Florentine, Sweet Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, March 11 – Beef Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Thursday, March 12 – Chicken Pot Pie, Butternut Squash, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, March 13 – Sliced Ham with Cherry Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Mountain Transit Express Senior ParaTransit Services
Seniors over the age of 60 can be verified to receive services through discounted ParaTransit services, free bus rides, and pick up at your home to bring you to the Senior Center for lunch. To become eligible, there is a form to complete. Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry can contact the Archuleta County MET to schedule a ride with their paratransit service. Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
Support the Senior Center
New, starting in 2026, small donations can be deducted without itemizing your tax return. It is the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction. Here’s what this means: For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 for individual tax filing and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. The goal of this provision is to recognize and encourage charitable giving across all income levels, potentially boosting donations from middle-income households who may not itemize their deductions. This change has the potential to significantly impact charitable giving patterns by incentivizing a broader base of donors. You may mail your donation to ASI, 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.