SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Achieving Individual Wellness

Do you achieve straight A’s?

The Mather Institute is “dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults, through evidence-based research and collaborative studies.”  The Mather Institute has developed the “Person-Centric Wellness Model,” which describes three significant “drivers.”

Achieving individual wellness starts with the straight A’s:

“Autonomy – We thrive when empowered to make our own choices. Even when we rely on others, being able to make decisions for ourselves is a key driver of personal well-being.”

“Achievement – Confidence comes from doing. From learning. From knowing. A powerful way to foster wellness is accomplishment on our own terms.”

“Affiliation – One of the most basic human needs is to belong. To feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. Being connected to other people is critical to achieving well-being.”

Archuleta Seniors Inc. hopes you find some of the straight A’s at the Pagosa Senior Center and through your own endeavors.

Put us on your schedule
We have several events coming up, including our participation at the Health Fair on October 4; our Masquerade Ball on October 24, 6 – 9pm at Keyah Grande; our non-alcoholic drinks bar at the Holiday Market at the PLPOA Clubhouse on November 1 and 2; and our tree at the Festival of Trees on December 5 and 6.

Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is back on Mondays at 1:30 pm at the Pagosa Senior Center. Salmonsohn 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. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others in the Archuleta community, fostering sharing and friendships. Snacks will be provided.

Afterward, stay for a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation, hosted by Robin Williams. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 – 3:30pm following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.

Stretching & Mobility Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center. 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. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency. Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class. The program is instructed by local dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.

Bridge
The game of Bridge is hosted on Tuesdays at 1:15pm every week. It has also been added on Wednesdays at 1:15pm. 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.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15pm at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of play, with the final round reached sometime between 2 to 3 hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years. No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.

Emotional Freedom
On the second Wednesdays of the month, join the “Tappers,” who practice the self-regulation technique of EFT to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more! Come learn the technique on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class. Taught by Judith Newman, LPC.

Tai Chi Chih, a Moving Meditation
Come on Thursdays, at the Pagosa Senior Center, from 1:30 -2:30pm. 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 meditative practice. The 19 movements and 1 pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy which is inherent in all of us.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m. Join the group on October 3 and October 17. 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. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first-come, first-served.

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 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 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 9am 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
Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, October 2 – Pork Carnitas, Refried beans, Sweet Corn, flour Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit, Fig Bars, Milk
Friday, October 3 – Korean Beef, Jasmine Rice, Snap Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Strawberry Angel Cake, Milk
Monday, October 6 – Chicken and Dumplings, Sauteed Greens and Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler, Milk
Tuesday, October 7 – Grilled Tuna Melt on Sourdough Bread, Cheesy Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownie, Milk
Wednesday, October 8 – BBQ Pork Ribs, Creamed Corn, Apple Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, October 9 – Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing, Potstickers with Dipping Sauce, Poached Pear, Milk
Friday, October 10 – Aussie Meat Pie, Sweet Potatoes, Vegemite, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt 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.

Medicare Assistance by Appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with Parts A, B, and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 403-6759 for an appointment and where to meet.

Board Vacancies
ASI Board of Directors has 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.

We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/

Joan Ward

Joan Ward is President, Archuleta Seniors Inc.