When asked by a friend to create a video for the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center to show at their annual fundraiser and donor appreciation dinner I simply said, “Yes.” This is what one does when a friend asks so nicely and has done you several solids in the past.
Thus began a fairly amazing journey into the world of the aging here in the Santa Clarita Valley. I found that age does have its downside for many, but for the most part you are only as old as you and your health want to be. I found people well into their 80’s exercising, learning languages and computers, going on trips and playing cards. Yes, cards are a great social and mind-maintenance pastime.
I also found an adult day care center that deals with the range of stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Many seniors there were in the early stages and just a bit forgetful. Others were further advanced and needed almost constant supervision.
In all the various programs there are leaders, staff and volunteers, that truly care about each person there, that take the time to teach at the given person’s level of understanding and ability.
The volunteers in all areas – food prep and delivery is huge – range in experience from first timers to decades-long contributors. Each has their own story of how they got involved, why they stay, and usually a favorite memory of one person that they touched along the way making an impression on them that stuck through time.
I hope you enjoy this video and that it inspires you to volunteer somewhere near you, or, if a senior yourself, that you find a desire to get out of the house and go meet some new and interesting people.