Pasadena Senior Center

https://lnkd.in/dTVjjSSz

Emergency Planning for Pasadena’s Older Adult Community by Akila Gibbs When evacuation alerts sounded due to the rapidly spreading wildfire in Eaton Canyon, local residents fled their homes, seeking safe haven. Understandably, in the heat—literally—of the moment, many of life’s daily essentials were left behind, only to be sorely missed upon arriving at the nearest shelter. Visiting the Pasadena Convention Center underscored this reality. As I observed volunteers going above and beyond to welcome people and help them feel comfortable and witnessed the tremendous outpouring of support and goodwill, I also learned an important lesson. We must be even better prepared to assist those in senior living facilities during evacuations to ensure that our most vulnerable community members receive all the necessary age-appropriate resources they need. The fact is our Pasadena population includes a disproportionate number of older adults. (Further reading is available here: https://lnkd.in/gw8Te_za

Free Events in January. https://lnkd.in/gyps34Fu

https://lnkd.in/geVk2XnF

Star Trek, the Road to Recovery, and Reconciling with My Father A Book Talk with Adam Nimoy December 5. Tap or Click for Details. https://conta.cc/4hXg3e6

Ageism Unmasked: Battling Stereotypes and Celebrating Aging ?By Akila Gibbs What exactly is ageism? It is a form of prejudice or discrimination directed at a specific age group, particularly older adults, and it is just as reprehensible as racism or sexism. Our communities are saturated with ageism, manifesting in the media landscape, workplace dynamics, social encounters, and our very own self-judgments as we progress in years. In job hunts, we are dismissed as overqualified. During medical assessments, we are handed conclusions cushioned by our age bracket. We find ourselves tempted by modern-day charlatans peddling youth elixirs in the guise of hope, capitalizing on the fear of growing older. The alarming truth is that ageism has been associated with a diminished quality of life and a staggering 7.5-year reduction in lifespan. A study by the University of Michigan in 2022, involving adults aged 50 to 80, reported that 93.4 percent had encountered ageism in varying degrees. This pervasive bias is not just a societal issue but a public health crisis that demands urgent attention. October 9 marks Ageism Awareness Day, a crucial time to reflect on these issues and work towards change. Glance through magazines or switch on the TV, and you will notice the conspicuous absence of older adults in advertising unless they are promoting cruises or medications. Consider a commercial for a hair dye product that features an older woman with grey hair looking unhappy and tired. The narrative then shifts to her using the hair dye, which magically transforms her appearance, making her look younger and more energetic. The tagline reads, "Look younger, feel better." This type of advertising sends a clear message that natural aging is undesirable, and that beauty and vitality are tied to having youthful features. It reinforces ageist stereotypes by suggesting that the only way to maintain self-worth and confidence is by disguising signs of aging. Such messages can be damaging, perpetuating the notion that aging should be hidden and that older adults must strive to look younger to be valued. To challenge these stereotypes, we need to start by changing our language and attitudes towards aging. Older adults should be seen as valuable, contributing to members of society, with a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. Policy changes are also essential, promoting equal opportunities in the workplace and ensuring fair treatment in healthcare settings. Ageism Awareness Day, observed on October 9, provides a timely reminder of the work that needs to be done. It is a call to action for all of us to reflect on our own attitudes towards aging and to commit to fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. By celebrating the contributions of older adults and challenging ageist attitudes, we can build a society that values and respects people of all ages.

Recovering From Knee Replacement Surgery https://conta.cc/3XURuXH #AgeWell

It’s Time to Bust Stereotypes About Growing Older By Akila Gibbs What does it mean in our culture to be “older” or “aging”? The definition has certainly evolved over the past few decades. Disappearing are the misperceptions and myths that growing older is filled with physical, cognitive and even financial health declines. The fact is that older adults today want to be engaged, enriched and empowered, improve or maintain their health, enjoy active lifestyles and social interaction, take classes relevant to today’s world, access resources for social services and so much more. As we celebrate May as Older Americans Month, I’d like to remind everyone to continue challenging old and tired narratives about what it means to age. At the Pasadena Senior Center, we are reversing outdated stereotypes of sedentary lifestyles, mounting limitations and fading strength. We are focusing instead on the reality that growing older is a blessing (think of the alternative, after all!). Now, more than ever, older adults are living active, engaged lives well into their 80s, 90s and beyond. By?embracing the essence of aging and challenging stereotypes, older adults will continue to thrive and stay safe, active and healthy while contributing to society in meaningful ways. Akila Gibbs is the executive director at the Pasadena Senior Center.

She is a passionate advocate for cultural awareness, especially the arts and folklore of Mexico. Join us for a memorable afternoon with Blanca Araceli Soto who will share stories from her life and career, and why she believes wholeheartedly that cultural awareness makes better communities. Go to our website, click on Lectures & Classes, then Cultural Thursdays. https://conta.cc/44FAwxV #AgeWell

A Special Concert: Making Magic With Ken Burns https://conta.cc/3UEDJdN