By Peggy Sue McRae, Journal contributor
This October, the Mullis Community Senior Center, in partnership with DOROT, will present “Aging Alone Together,” a six-week virtual series of workshops designed to empower solo agers, people who, by choice or circumstance, expect to age and make decisions independently. “We aim to create a supportive, positive space for discussion, self-reflection, and learning.” The program is offered at no cost. Sessions will be held via Zoom meeting with you in the comfort of your own home.
DOROT is a nonprofit social service organization focused on the challenges facing an aging population. Social work graduates in New York City founded DOROT, meaning “generations” in Hebrew, in 1976. They set out to address the needs of their elder West Side neighbors in particular regarding loneliness and isolation. What began with visits and food deliveries developed into established connections between generations. Since that time, DOROT has gained a reputation for excellence and innovation in the fields of healthy aging, intergenerational programming and volunteerism. While the program has Jewish roots, all faiths and cultures are embraced.
The six 90-minute sessions will explore the following topics.
Session one: “Welcome and Introduction”
Oct. 9, from 10-11:30 a.m. We will be setting priorities, identifying roadblocks, exploring resources, planning ahead and acknowledging feelings.
Session two: “Building Community”
Oct. 16, from 10-11:30 a.m. We will explore ways to build and strengthen social connections.
Session three: “Where We Live”
Oct. 23, from 10-11:30 a.m. We will explore aging in place, the ability to live in one’s own home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.
Session four: “Advance Care Planning”
Oct. 30, from 10-11:30 a.m. We explore a process that supports adults at any age or stage of health in understanding and sharing their personal values, life goals and preferences regarding future medical care.
Session five: “Financial and Legal Matters”
Nov. 6, from 10-11:30 a.m. This week, we look at estate planning, legal terminology, financial considerations and avoiding scams.
Session six: “Celebrate and Look Ahead”
Nov. 13, from 10-11:30 a.m. In this final week, we will explore supportive services for older adults, including food and nutrition, housing, medical care, transportation, caretaking and social programs.
Auto-captions are available for all Zoom programs.
The workshop is not intended to be therapeutic or replace traditional support groups and will not offer medical, financial, legal or personal advice. Each session builds on the last, and community is best formed when all participants can meaningfully participate.
“Aging Alone Together” is DOROT’s flagship program for solo agers, a fast-growing population in the United States. The program offers tools, guidance and, most importantly, community. Said one Aging Alone Together participant, “It helps just that somebody’s acknowledging the fact there are so many of us. I’m not the only one.” Indeed, there are a lot of us.
For more on DOROT, visit dorotusa.org.
To register: https://dorotusa-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/wWz22ZrlTbKw7o_c6gQCDQ#/registration.
