As we get older, much in our lives are in constant flux: friends, health, interests, capabilities, etc. Whatever stability we have become treasured opportunities to feel some sense of security. The Older Adult Ministry at Castro Valley United Methodist Church has been serving the senior community for over 20 years. We have been an important part in supporting the needs of the older adults.
Our efforts to stay connected with one another and to support each other during these crucial years of transition enhance the quality of our older adults’ lives and give them the dignity and self-respect they deserve.
We offer three areas of interest for older adults in our church community: exercise, meals, and senior activities.
We have two exercise sessions that meet. One is Monday/Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. The other class is Tuesday/Thursday at 8:30 a.m. There is no charge and is low impact aerobics. The instructor is provided by Spectrum and the focus is on Fall Prevention, a trigger event to fatalities for many seniors. Exercise is crucial for not only overall health but for brain fitness as well. There is limited space and requires advance registration.
On Tuesday at 12:00 pm a low-cost meal is available to seniors. The meal is prepared by Spectrum and delivered to us. This provides the crucial social environment for eating a nutritious meal while interacting with others. For those 60 years and older, the suggested contribution of $3.75 is requested. For those under 60, the cost is $10. Advance registration is required.
Senior activities occur on Tuesday and Thursday with a drop-in fee. The activities include card playing, quilting, sewing, knitting, needlepoint, card making, special projects, etc. Keeping busy and active improves the quality of life and allows our seniors to stay connected. Learning new skills and social interaction are key to optimum brain functioning.