When schools let out and the summer season kicks off, much of community programming and attention is given to kids looking to escape boredom and get cool experiences while they enjoy time off.
But there’s one group that doesn’t usually get too much attention during the warm months: seniors. It’s an age group often looking for ways to connect with peers and have some fun, especially for those in older generations who are retired or may not live close to extended family.
So, what is there for seniors to do this summer?
To answer that question, the Jewish Times spoke to the JCC of Greater Baltimore to learn about its programs for older community members over these next few months.
Lori O’Donnell, program coordinator for the Myerberg at the J, said her organization does programming for “active older adults” at the JCC.
O’Donnell spoke about several upcoming programming opportunities taking place throughout the summer.
The first activity is a recurring one, a weekly walking group that meets every Tuesday starting at 11:15 a.m., when older adults can get some light cardio while meeting new people as they stroll.
O’Donnell also mentioned technology sessions on July 16 and 30 where people can book 30 minutes talking with a staff member to guide them through apps, email, device settings, video meetings and more.
There’s a free ceramics demo class on July 24 where attendees can learn about the art of clay sculpting and techniques for hand building.
O’Donnell said that after the demo class there’s a four-week session of ceramics that starts July 31.
On July 29, the JCC book club will hold its next meeting, where members will discuss “The Names” by Florence Knapp.
One of the programs O’Donnell was most excited about was a visual journaling class on Aug. 4.
“It takes regular journaling to the next level. It’s another way of expressing yourself. So instead of just writing, you can use color, images, collages, paint, stencils, fabric, anything like that, to help express yourself. And it’s been shown that people that engage in visual journaling have a 32% reduction in anxiety,” O’Donnell said.
O’Donnell said that having these programs is an important way for older adults to stay engaged and active in the community. It’s also a way to pick up new skills.
“For older adults, it’s a way to build community, to meet new people, to express their creativity and to have something fun to do,” O’Donnell said.
And while a lot of focus is given to the kids and summer camps from June to August, older adults have plenty of opportunities to find things to do throughout the day.
“Especially during the summertime, when they can go in the morning and take classes and then go to the pool and then take a class in the evening. It’s a nice way to spend the day. I think a lot of times, things slow down for people in the summertime, and this is also a way for them to try something new,” O’Donnell said.
Creating this programming for active older adults is a recent focus for the Baltimore Jewish community, as O’Donnell said her position was created last September in a partnership between the Myerberg Center and the JCC.
O’Donnell said that her work has evolved since she started several months ago, as the team works to figure out what would get people to come and spend their time at the JCC.
“In the beginning, it was a little bit difficult because we were trying to get people to know about the program and also trying to figure out what people wanted. And we’ve discovered some things along the way. We’re still learning things,” O’Donnell said.
She added that it’s been exciting to see people come in, attend classes and meet new people.
O’Donnell said there are people who have stood next to each other in fitness classes for years and never spoke and are now connecting over a ceramics class.
Stories like that are why she’s so excited to be a part of this effort. She is encouraging more active older adults to take the step to participate in the programs the JCC is offering.
“It’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone to try something. If anybody needs help registering with classes or needs any more information, they’re welcome to contact me,” O’Donnell said.
