Relaxing, for Health's Sake

Programs
and Services

Finding a Sense of Community
Last fall, a distraught daughter called San Francisco Senior Center (SFSC) and asked the Social Services Director for advice to help her 85-year-old Italian-American mother, Jane, who had suddenly stopped talking. After an extensive discussion with the daughter, the Social Services Director suspected that Jane had been suffering from isolation and depression, which are documented as common and sometimes deadly in the elder population. The Social Services Director suggested that both Jane and her daughter visit SFSC to observe the activities and meet senior participants. 

Coming from a large city back east where she walked frequently, Jane was naturally attracted to the Aquatic Park location's Gardening and Walking Group, whose members walk from the center to the Fort Mason Community Garden each Wednesday. As Jane continued to come to SFSC, she found many walking companions who enjoyed walking and  visiting this San Francisco garden while sharing their concerns about the challenges of aging. Jane has since become known as “fast Jane” for her ability to out-walk even the youngest participants of the group. In addition, Jane participates in the healing class each Monday and almost every day she visits the center where her new friends look forward to her company.

Relaxing, for Health's Sake
Betty, a retired and active 79-year-old noticed an increase in anxiety. It interfered with her active lifestyle that included frequent travel and attending the sewing class offered at the SFSC Aquatic Park location. Life began to feel overwhelming near the holidays, which coincide with the anniversary of the passing of her longtime mate and remind her of past visits with relatives who are also now gone. Betty's anxiety was accompanied with hypertension, difficulty breathing, and trouble sleeping. In addition, her enjoyable sewing hobby was now aggravating her arthritis.

Betty's physician recommended that she begin a regular exercise program and attend a Qi Gong meditation class, offered by her HMO on a fee-per-class basis. Knowing of the many programs that SFSC offers, Betty chose, instead, to alter her schedule and attend the Body Wisdom class, which incorporates Wild Goose Qi Gong meditation, deep breathing, and imagery. Betty then began to regularly attend the Gardening and Walking Group. She recently reported to her friends at SFSC that she feels more relaxed that her blood pressure and weight have both dropped. During her last checkup, Betty's physician encouraged her to continue the activities at SFSC. Betty's strength and energy now allow her to proudly walk all the way up the hill while carrying-on a conversation, without taking a break.
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