As life expectancy continues to rise, ageing has become one of the most significant social transformations of our time. With older adults making up a growing percentage of the population, the focus on health and wellness in later years has never been more important. Good health in old age is not just about longevity but about maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life. Preventative care, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and early detection of chronic conditions are key to ensuring that older adults remain active participants in their families and communities.
Equally important is addressing the social and emotional needs of ageing populations. Loneliness, limited mobility, and lack of access to resources can impact health just as much as physical ailments. Communities can play a vital role by promoting intergenerational connections, improving access to affordable healthcare, and creating supportive environments where older adults feel valued. Investing in ageing and health today not only benefits older individuals but also strengthens the fabric of society for generations to come.
Our Upcoming Events – Put us on your schedule! We have several events coming up, including our Masquerade Ball Fundraiser on October 24, 6 – 9 pm, at Keyah Grande; a fun lunch-time Halloween Party on Friday, October 31 (see below); 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.
Halloween Costume Party
Come in costume to the Senior Center Dining Room on Friday, October 3, for a Halloween Party from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., with a costume contest at 1:00 pm. There will be pumpkin pie and prizes. If you want lunch, please call ahead or by Friday, October 31, before 9 a.m. to make a reservation at 970-264-2167.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is 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, 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 pm – 3:30 pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
Bridge
The game of Bridge is hosted on Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. 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 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.
Mindful Drawing
Mindful Drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join our friendly instructor, Roberta Strickland, CZT. Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. in the Pagosa Senior Center. This activity is open to all ages. Help us create an intergenerational community. For those under 18 and/or with disabilities, you are welcome to join us, but we kindly ask you to please bring an adult chaperone with you.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meet from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support 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.
Scrapbooking & Crafters Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club and Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month in 2025 at the Ross Aragon Community Center from 10:00 am – 3:00 p.m. at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., within the dining hall in the Pagosa Senior Center. Ages 18 and older welcome, and for those youth aged 17 and younger, we kindly request that an adult chaperone accompany them. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com, and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting along with tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.
Dine-In and Grab‘N’Go Lunch
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 9 a.m. 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, October 16 – Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
Friday, October 17 – Ginger-Lime Shrimp, Cilantro Rice, Caribbean Beans, Garden Salad, Tropical Fruit, Key Lime Pie, Milk
Monday, October 20 – Beef Frito Pie, Green Beans, Cornbread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk
Tuesday, October 21 – Artichoke, Mushroom and Sundried Tomato Pasta, Garlic Bread, Fruit, Beet Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Goat Cheese, Milk
Wednesday, October 22 – Ham and Cheese Quiche, Wilted Spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cherry Cheesecake, Milk
Thursday, October 23 – Baked Cod with Mango Salsa, Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Bar, Milk
Friday, October 24 – Tuscan Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup, Rosemary Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, Milk
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. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteers, whom we so greatly appreciate. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167 for information on how to sign up for the program.
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.
Support the Senior Center
Support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. 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/