It’s important for seniors to stay active and part of the community. Events just for them are great for connecting, learning, and having fun. Activities like gardening workshops and arts and crafts classes help make life fulfilling and create a sense of belonging. Check out some highlights from recent and upcoming events that show these values.
Key Takeaways
Community events for active seniors in Hawaiʻi and Colorado promote connection, learning, and fun while addressing environmental and social issues.
- Gardening workshops help save the native ʻōhiʻa tree and teach sustainable gardening practices, promoting a sense of community among participants.
- Arts and crafts classes, such as card-making and mindful drawing sessions, foster creativity and connection among seniors, helping to build strong friendships.
- Volunteering and fundraising events, like the Pagosa Senior Soirée, support important programs for seniors and promote community spirit, addressing social issues in local communities.
Sustainability through gardening
In East Hawaiʻi, the University of Hawaiʻi’s Komohana Research and Extension Center recently hosted a combined event featuring the East Hawaiʻi Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale and the 8th ‘Ōhiʻa Love Fest. This event focused on saving the native ʻōhiʻa tree, which is crucial for Hawaiʻi’s ecosystem and is threatened by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.
The Master Gardeners shared ways to garden sustainably, focusing on plant diversity and healthy soil. Over 1,200 plants, including native ones and long-lasting edible plants, were grown for the sale. Attendees learned gardening tips and ways to spot and fight plant diseases, helping them take part in protecting the environment. The event also included tours of the Komohana Ethnobotanical Garden, interactive displays from 30 exhibitors, and food from the Hawaiʻi County 4-H Club.
For seniors, gardening events like these are more than just about the environment—they offer chances to meet people and learn new things. Whether joining workshops about sustainable gardening or helping in community gardens, participants build connections and develop a greater love for nature.
Connecting seniors through creativity
Pagosa Springs, Colorado, recently celebrated creativity at the Pagosa Senior Center with a free Valentine’s Day card-making class. Becky Crowe, a talented printmaker and former art teacher, led the class. Participants made personalized cards for homebound seniors and those attending group meals. The event showed how art can connect people and make lives brighter.
The class also introduced other arts and crafts offered at the Senior Center, like mindful drawing sessions. These weekly meetings involve simple techniques that help with relaxation and focus, perfect for everyone, no matter their skill level. The center provides a friendly atmosphere and all necessary supplies, making it easy for anyone to join in and enjoy being creative.
Seniors who take part in these programs not only learn new skills but also build strong friendships. Working together on projects like creating decorations for community events or group art installations gives everyone a sense of achievement and brings people closer together.
Volunteering and community events
Volunteering and group events bring people together and build community spirit. The Pagosa Senior Center hosted its first Valentine’s Day Soirée, a night with good food, wine, and live music. Money raised from the event helps important programs for seniors like meal services and caregiver support. Guests enjoyed local chocolates, a silent auction, and a chance to mingle in a fun setting.
This event showcases the impact of community involvement in solving important issues. In Archuleta County, where many seniors face financial challenges, events like this soirée give needed support and a fun night out. Volunteering opportunities at these events let people actively help their communities.
Moreover, the Senior Center offers a range of activities to connect people, including mahjong games, yoga classes, and monthly bingo. These programs are designed to fit different interests, so everyone can find something they like. Joint activities like community clinics and educational workshops make the experience richer by promoting understanding and teamwork.
Events in Hawaiʻi and Colorado show us how community activities can make seniors’ lives better. Gardening workshops help save natural resources and teach us about the environment. Arts and crafts let seniors be creative and connect with others. Fundraising events and volunteering help solve important social issues.
When seniors join these events, they improve their well-being and help the community. Whether planting a tree, making a card, or going to a gathering, these activities create good memories and make community ties stronger.
