Aurora seniors bond during pandemic at their ‘second home’
AURORA, Colo. — Over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no secret that million have been affected by the virus, and that senior citizens were often overlooked, even as COVID-19 spread mercilessly through places like long-term care facilities. In Colorado, people ages 70 and up accounted for nearly 80% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths.
The pandemic also highlighted the need for connectivity among senior citizens. The National Council of Aging believes senior centers serve as a gateway to the nation’s aging network by connecting older adults to vital community services to stay healthy and independent.
Members at the Aurora Center for Active Adults tell Rocky Mountain PBS that the center is more than just a building; It’s a second home and even more of a safe place of gathering since last year was so isolating.
Mark Cameron, a member, said the center gives him purpose in his life.
“I get bored at home by myself,” Cameron explained. “The center gives me a chance to get out of the house, meet other people, and give back to the community if I can volunteer. If I can get up and do something, rather than sit at home and be a ‘bump on a log,’ I feel useful and productive like I’m a part of something going on over here.”
The center provides fitness classes, local and international trips, games, and lunch.
Monday through Thursday meals are offered at the center. It’s an opportunity for seniors to come together and connect. The center asks for a suggested donation for the provided meals, but if people cannot donate, food is served regardless. During the pandemic, on a bi-weekly basis, the center provided frozen-box meals. The staff tells RMPBS that over 40,000 frozen box meals were distributed during the peak pandemic months.
Nancy Baum, the Recreation Specialist for the City of Aurora, said sometimes seniors can be immobile and cannot prepare meals for themselves, or even forget to eat. Thanks to Volunteers of America, meals are provided to seniors all over the state.
“Sometimes people, in general, can’t think about their meals ahead of time,” Baum said. “Our seniors come together because they enjoy visiting one another while enjoying a meal that is nutritionally balanced.”
Mayo Clinic Health System research found that malnutrition is a serious senior health issue. Health professionals report that malnutrition can cause a weak immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Poor nutrition can cause muscle weakness and can decrease bone mass, leading to falls or fractures.
Like Cameron, other members like Angela Reid and Doris Reed find health, friendship, and happiness at the center.
“We are a family here,” Reid said. “We encourage one another to get out of the house and be productive. We are stronger than this temporary pandemic. We’ve been through a lot in our years of life, and we will see this through.”
“Just come by and have fun,” Reed added. “Be active and enjoy life.”
“We all try to look out for one another and keep in contact with each other to see how everyone is doing. That means a lot to me,” Cameron said. “Because I live alone, friendship means so much to me.
The Aurora Center for Active Adults is always looking for volunteers to help out around the center, help serve meals, or be a friendly face for people to say hello to. You can contact Ronald Roulhac, the Recreation Supervisor, via email here.
Although the center is catered to seniors, it does not stop there. Young adults ages 18 and up can use the facility’s many features.
Lindsey Ford is a multimedia journalist at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can contact her at lindseyford@rmpbs.org.