On Senior Citizens Day Come Out to Wilmington For Free Senior Education

LONG BEACH –– Independence at Home or IAH, a community service program of SCAN Health Plan and Providence Little Company of Mary’s Wilmington Wellness and Activity Center are partnering to celebrate longer lives aging in place and National Senior Citizens Day with a day of activities at the Wilmington Wellness and Activity Center Aug, 29. No reservation is required.

The day’s activities will include the following.

10 to 11 a.m.: Seminar on “Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Without Medication,” in English and Spanish. Participants may win valuable merchandise from the door prize drawings at the end of the session.

11a.m. to 12 p.m.: Digital coaches will be hosting a drop-in coaching session where caregivers and older adults can receive one-on-one coaching for their devices.

In addition, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., IAH will have a table at the center’s certified farmers’ market with materials about IAH programs that are free for caregivers and older adults who need them.

“Independence at Home is dedicated to making sure older adults are not placed in nursing homes prematurely because they, their family, or caregivers were not aware of the services available,” said Reina Oliver, director of contract programs, Independence at Home. “Studies show that staying at home is good for seniors’ overall health, prevents social isolation and symptoms of depression, and gives them control over their lives.“

According to the report Older Adults’ Preparedness to Age in Place from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation (2022), the majority of adults age 50–80 (88%) felt it is important to remain in their homes for as long as possible (62% very important, 26% somewhat important).

IAH offers multiple free programs and education classes for caregivers and older adults. They also coordinate the Multipurpose Senior Services Program or MSSP, a government-funded program that allows adults 65+ to stay in their homes in the Harbor Area, the South Bay, and a large portion of Southeast Los Angeles County. Through long-term care management services, MSSP connects Medi-Cal eligible clients to the services they need to help them maintain independence and dignity in their current residences, and per the USC Leonard David School of Gerontology, aging in place saves costs and increases life expectancy. 

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 29 

Cost: Free

Details: https://tinyurl.com/Wilmington-Wellness-Center and www.IndependenceAtHome.org; call 866-241-1964.

Venue: Wilmington Wellness and Activity Center, 470 Hawaiian Ave., Wilmington