Seniors find inviting sanctuary at Clovis Activity Center
In the heart of Clovis, off 3rd Street, lies a vibrant haven for older adults - the Clovis Senior Activity Center. Established in November 2023, this facility has become a beacon of hope and camaraderie for seniors seeking to combat loneliness, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Since its inception, the center has been a testament to the profound mental health benefits of social activities and connections for older adults. Denise Benelli, a long-time volunteer and member, is a shining example of this transformative impact. Since moving to Clovis six years ago, Denise found the senior center as a way to get to know people and has since been an integral part of the community.
The Clovis Senior Activity Center offers a plethora of activities designed to foster social engagement and mental stimulation. From art classes with Deborah Pepin, which help keep participants' minds active and provide something to look forward to, to fitness classes and billiards, there's something for everyone. The center also provides free lunches for older adults, ensuring no one goes hungry while enjoying the company of peers.
According to Ashlee Winslow, the Senior Services Supervisor at the center, the facility is about more than just classes and activities. It's about connections and combating loneliness. "For older adults who are feeling lonely, the Clovis Senior Activity Center is a space where you can belong," Ashlee emphasises.
The center serves hundreds of people daily, with an average attendance of over 650 people. This is particularly significant, given that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about one in three adults in the U.S. feels lonely. Social isolation can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and dementia, according to health experts.
The Clovis Senior Activity Center is not just a local success story; it's part of a broader movement to address the 'loneliness epidemic'. The "Our America: Mental State - The Loneliness Epidemic" series, a collaboration between ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations, aims to share reporting on building social connections, focusing on various aspects of life. The series includes stories about kids, caregivers, the workplace, the election, the holidays, and anyone looking to learn about self-care and caring for others.
In a world where mental health is increasingly becoming a priority, the Clovis Senior Activity Center stands as a shining example of how social activities and connections can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults, potentially reducing dementia risk and alleviating anxiety and loneliness. As Denise Benelli, a dedicated volunteer and member for four years, puts it, "The Clovis Senior Activity Center is not just a place for classes and activities, but also for forming friendships."
At the Clovis Senior Activity Center, social engagement and mental stimulation through activities like art classes, fitness, and billiards not only contribute to healthy minds but also provide strong connections that combat feelings of loneliness and potential mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and dementia. In line with the broader movement to address the 'loneliness epidemic', the center serves as a prime example of how community interactions can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults, making it more than just a place for classes and activities, but also a sanctuary for forming lifelong friendships.
