(This is the second of a series of posts profiling senior services nonprofits which are helping older persons to live active, engaged lives.)
Most of us who interact with seniors understand how challenging it can be as we have an increasingly smaller circle of family and friends as we grow older. Fortunately, many resources are available to reduce isolation for seniors, and multiple nonprofit programs specifically target that goal. But it is even more difficult when physical disabilities make it hard for an older person to visit a senior center or engage in other social activities.
Since 2014, I have volunteered as a facilitator for the Virtual Senior Center (VSC), an innovative program developed by Selfhelp Community Services. At least once a month, I lead a virtual class from my computer on topics such as nutrition / health, book reviews, and celebrating the holidays when you’re alone. (Unlike a typical webinar, everyone is able to see each other during the class.) My ‘students’ mostly live in New York and Long Island, but the VSC is also available to seniors in Baltimore and Chicago – and soon to other cities. Many have developed friendships with each other which extend beyond the classes, even though most have never met in person.
But the VSC is only one of Selfhelp’s programs. Created in 1936 to help those fleeing Nazi Germany to adapt to living in America, today Selfhelp continues to provides the largest range of services to Holocaust survivors in North America. Selfhelp also manages 10 affordable apartment buildings, manages 5 Senior Centers, offers an Alzheimer’s Social Adult Day Care Program , employs 1,800 home health care workers, and provides services for seniors living in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.
At its senior housing units, Selfhelp provides services uses the Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model – which is designed to enable a vibrant, engaged community of older adults. Providing these services also can result in better health outcomes. Read more.
Of the many ways that I try to help older persons to live well, my role as a VSC teacher is probably my favorite. While the main goal is to build community, I try to choose topics which will encourage seniors to live well, regardless of whatever health challenges they may be facing. Next week, for example, my class will focus on John Leland’s book and Sky Bergman’s film, featured in my recent post, Lessons Learned from Older Persons. Not surprisingly, during my VSC classes I often learn more from my students than whatever they learn from me.