One in 10 people age 65 and older experience depression according to Health Direct. The main three causes of depression in older people include poor physical health, social isolation and loss. Whitewater has a population of over 15,000 people with roughly 11,000 of those being college students. About 8.9% of the city’s population are seniors. A program, “Seniors in the Park,” which is based at the Starin Park Community Building, aims to enhance and revitalize the lives of the community by providing programs that challenge minds, enhance physical being, create new connections and have fun.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, there were a lot of issues,” Adult Program Coordinator Jennifer Jackson said. “We noticed that a lot of the seniors got very depressed because they weren’t able to go out and meet or see people, so we’re here to prevent social isolation and give them a safe, reliable place to go to.”
Depression can affect people of any age, however, it can be sometimes difficult to recognize in older adults due to symptoms being similar to problems associated with aging.
“Some of the seniors in our community live alone, their significant other has passed away, or they’ve never been married or even had a significant other,”Jackson said. “So having a place to go to really helps. We go on three different food trips a month – breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s different each time and it gives them an opportunity to have a meal with someone else.”
From presentations and lectures to card games and movies, there is something offered for everyone.
“We have a large senior population in Whitewater,” Jackson said. “It’s a nice way for them to meet people, make new friends, be a part of activities and learn information. They always want to learn something new since we have a lot of retired professors in the community.”
Not only are there social activities, the program also helps the seniors keep a healthy and active lifestyle. Pickleball, yoga, functional fitness, indoor walking classes and other physical activities are offered.
Jackson has worked at the center for three years. Originally looking into program planning, the adult program coordinator role fell into her lap and ever since then she’s fallen in love with her job.
“I don’t think I would want to work with anyone other than seniors,” Jackson said. “I love that they’re always looking for something to do. They’re a very lively bunch in town – they love to hang out and experience new things. It’s very inspiring to see them still doing things, and it makes me want to continue pushing myself to be healthy.”
A Hawaiian vacation is scheduled for the end of March. The center also offers extended travels to anyone 18 and older. Other extended travels are planned throughout the year, both domestic and international.
“They’re scheduled to go to Honolulu, Kona and Maui,” Jackson said. “They get to go on city tours in the three islands, plus an itinerary of activities and sightseeing. In Hawaii, they’ll see some volcanoes, visit a few national monuments and they get a leisure day, as well. In October, we’re going to Iceland and next year, we’re offering a trip to Greece.”
The seniors leave for Hawaii on March 27 and are expected to return April 5.
The center is also continuously looking for volunteers at events. Not only do volunteers help with activities, they also have opportunities to connect more with the seniors of the community.
“Seniors are important to the community because of all of the knowledge that they have, and the previous endeavors that they’ve been a part of,” Jackson said. “They want something to do, something to learn – they want to be a part of the community. They’re a great way to enrich everyone’s lives. We’re always looking for volunteers, as well.”
The center provides a monthly newsletter with information on scheduled programs and activities. It also provides resources and information on community happenings. For more information about Seniors in the Park, visit here.
