Older adults need to get outside! While the weather is still nice and fall is in the air, the Greenwich Commission on Aging is adding some outdoor activities to their series of offerings. It is vital to older adults to stay engaged with friends and family, get some physical activity, and do things they really enjoy. Adding fresh air to that mix is rejuvenating.
Lori Contadino and the staff at the Greenwich Senior Center, have been working tirelessly to bring Zoom classes, social conversations, advice and connection to all older residents. “Social distance does not mean that we have to socially disconnect. In fact, maintaining social connection has important implications for health and wellbeing,” Lori said.
“I am thrilled that the Senior Center continues to develop new, creative programs to engage our senior citizens,” Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo said. “What can be better than painting the bucolic scenes of our waterfront at Grass Island, or practicing tai chi on the lawns of Greenwich Common? It’s great that these programs and the walks in Cos Cob Park and the drive-through lunches are drawing our seniors outside to literally get a breath of fresh air and to be able to see their friends and the Senior Center staff for the first time in months. Our physical health and mental stimulation can never be halted, so these activities are critical to the wellbeing of our senior citizens.”
Due to the sold-out success of the last “Drive-Thru BBQ,” Chef Teddy (Teddy Torchon) has returned to the Greenwich Senior Center for one day to cook for his beloved friends and fans, members of the Greenwich Senior Center, where in the not so distant past, they could get a $5.00 lunch every weekday. The Senior Center continues to remain closed to reduce senior’s risk of exposure and remain safe. “Teddy’s Ready Drive-Thru Lunch,” on Sept. 26, offered BBQ Ribs, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Carrots, beverages and a Lemon Bar with Raspberry Sauce, all for $5.00. The staff and volunteers wore gloves and masks and delivered lunch to each car, along with a copy of the current newsletter and a pack of games and puzzles - part of a new direct mail program, “299 to You.”
If you love the outdoors, join Bill Wren for Outdoor Tai Chi on Greenwich Avenue, on the green, across from the Senior Center, or Drawing and Painting at Grass Island with Chris Gordon, or Walking at Cos Cob Park with Wendy. For details, please call Deana at the Greenwich Senior Center, (203) 862-6700.
If you are an older resident of Greenwich, here are more ways for you to connect:
Daily Phone Calls From a Friendly Volunteer
Older adults can receive a free daily phone call from a friendly Greenwich Country Day School family who has been assigned to them. Connect, chat, check-in. Email cpg@gcds.net or call (203) 863-5653.
Get Technology Help
For older adults who need free, basic, one-on-one help with their computer, smartphone or laptop, they can sign up and a Greenwich Country Day School volunteer will contact them to assist. Email cpg@gcds.net or call (203) 863-5653.
To connect to a free live Zoom session for Older Adults:
The CONNECTT program is a collaborative effort with Greenwich Country Day School and offer daily programs on your computer, tablet or phone.
For the Daily Schedule and to click to connect, go to the Greenwich Commission on Aging website page on the Town of Greenwich website:
https://www.greenwichct.gov/190/Commission-on-Aging