Announcements
3rd Thursdays are Birthdays hosted by Bristol Hospice!
Their team will be at the Center to provide birthday dessert during the lunch hour,
as well as to answer questions about services, support groups, upcoming events.
No Bingo Kitchen on Saturdays - Outside Food Allowed
Support the Center by Purchasing a Copy of the
“Life’s Journey of Remembrance” Publication
See below for more information!
Support the Center by Purchasing a Copy of the
“Life’s Journey of Remembrance” Publication
The most common reasons for writing are to express yourself, to analyze, to inform, entertain, and persuade. Sometimes your writing will combine several purposes. Some writing that you do for yourself is practical such as filling out forms and writing letters of complaint. Other self-prompted writing you will do simply because you enjoy it. This type of writing includes poems, journal entries, personal memories, reminiscences, and “just for fun” topics of interest.
Everyone is an individual. You think and act in ways that are uniquely your own, as we each have our own “voice”. As you write you discover what you think about yourself – and the world around you which is different for everyone. This is one of the main reasons why I enjoy teaching this class so much. The diversity inspires me and hopefully will inspire you as we go on this great adventure together.
I am proud to introduce a collection of writings by the students of the Fall 2023 Creative Writing Workshop at the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center in Klamath Falls, OR.
-Maurine Loprete, Creative Writing Instructor
Follow the link here to purchase a print or ebook copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNRMXWDK?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
Serving the Klamath Community through Meals on Wheels
A knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the meals on wheels movement going. Call the Senior Center at 541-883-7171 to become a volunteer today!
If you or someone you know is in need of Meals on Wheels, please register with the Klamath Lake Counties Council on Aging by calling 541-205-5400.
Read recent Facebook posts
for helpful information and upcoming events
Helping Older Adults Take Charge of Their Social Well-Being![]()
From the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion![]()
As the days shorten, cooler weather takes hold, and the urge to retreat indoors to the comfort of home grows, it is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of social connection for older adults, renew support for more engagement in our communities, and make healthy aging a reality for all who live there. ![]()
For older adults, social isolation can affect their health. One in four older adults faces social isolation, meaning they have few people they can interact with on a regular basis, which can make it difficult for them to access resources and stay healthy—both physically and mentally. Social isolation negatively affects health and increases risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, dementia, and other conditions. ![]()
Who is at risk for social isolation?![]()
As people age, many life changes increase the risk for social isolation and loneliness. These changes may include retiring from work, changes in physical health and the ability to see, hear, or move around, and the loss of friends and family. Other risk factors include:![]()
• Feeling a lack of purpose![]()
• Financial hardships![]()
• Lack of transportation and difficulty leaving home without help![]()
• Being a caregiver for a loved one![]()
• Living alone ![]()
Screening is a way to take action![]()
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has an informational guide on social isolation, which includes a self-assessment to help older adults identify if they are at risk for social isolation or loneliness. Screening can be the first step to motivate older adults to seek social engagement and improve their social well-being.![]()
Commit to Connect![]()
ACL, in partnership with other federal agencies and organizations, created the Commit to Connect social engagement hub with activities and resources to help older adults stay socially connected as they age. (acl.gov/CommitToConnect) Activities range from attending community meetings for certain hobbies, such as crafting, to free courses and lectures, and visiting local attractions and events. Many of these opportunities are available in-person and online to allow for older adults facing barriers to still become connected.![]()
Commit to Connect also includes resources that professionals can share with older adults to help them develop deeper relationships with the people already in their lives. Other resources connect older adults to hotlines, which can provide crisis support or just casual conversation, a virtual senior center for home-bound individuals, and an online community to connect with others over games and conversation. Best of all, there are many avenues for engaging with the local community by volunteering and giving back. Volunteering can reduce social isolation, increase connection, and renew a feeling of purpose. In coordination with programs like this, many organizations in communities across the nation, including faith-based organizations, provide older adults with an array of activities, resources, support, and opportunities to volunteer while deepening spirituality and social connection within the community.![]()
Get active!![]()
Many community programs that facilitate physical activity do so in group settings to connect older adults in the community with each other. Even online classes help older adults improve their health by combining physical activity and social engagement. Community-based organizations and public health entities can discover more promising programs through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/data-research/promising-approaches/index.html) The Eldercare Locator, a resource center funded by the Administration for Community Living, can help older adults discover local resources and find transportation. (eldercare.acl.gov/home) Or use ODPHP’s Move Your Way® tools, videos, and fact sheets for older adults and launch your own program to help older adults get a little more active. (odphp.health.gov/moveyourway#older-adults) ![]()
Raise awareness![]()
It is important for community organizations, local government, and healthcare providers to increase awareness of the risks of social isolation and implement strategies to improve social engagement. The NIH’s National Institute on Aging developed a toolkit with health information, graphics, social media posts, fliers, and videos to use in outreach efforts. (www.nia.nih.gov/toolkits/social-isolation) Committing to tackling this issue and facilitating social connection among older adults can build healthier and happier communities.
Commit to Connect | ACL Administration for Community Living
acl.gov
Mission-critical activities of ACL will continue during the Democrat-led government shutdown. Please use this site as a resource as the Trump Administration works to reopen the government for the Amer...
What does gratitude and kindness have to do with Volunteering at your local senior center?![]()
Gratitude and kindness are deeply connected to volunteering at a local senior center in several meaningful ways:![]()
1. Kindness as the motivation for service:![]()
Volunteering is an act of kindness — it’s about giving your time, attention, and care to others without expecting anything in return. When you help seniors by listening to them, playing games, or assisting with activities, you’re showing compassion and respect for their experiences and dignity.![]()
2. Gratitude that others have lived and shared:![]()
Spending time with older adults often reminds volunteers of the wisdom, history, and resilience of previous generations. This can create a deep sense of gratitude — for the opportunities you have today, for the stories and lessons seniors share, and for the chance to make a difference in someone’s day.![]()
3. Creating a cycle of appreciation:![]()
When you show kindness to seniors, they often express gratitude in return — sometimes with a smile, a thank-you, or simply the joy they feel from companionship. That exchange strengthens community bonds and reminds everyone involved of the value of human connection.![]()
4. Personal growth through gratitude:![]()
Volunteering helps you appreciate things you might take for granted — health, youth, family, or independence. That gratitude can make you more mindful and compassionate in other areas of your life.![]()
Kindness inspires the act of volunteering, and gratitude grows from the experience. Together, they make service more meaningful — both for you and for the people you’re helping out in the community or at the center.![]()
So come on down to the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Center and pick up a volunteer application today and start making older adults in the community feel special and put that smile on their faces. ![]()
For more information about volunteering contact Machel Ramirez Volunteer coordinator at 541-883-7171 EXT 128 or send an email at volunteer.coordinator@kbscc.org
Thanksgiving Luncheon – November 21st![]()
Join us at the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center on Friday, November 21st at 11:30 AM for our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon! Come enjoy a delicious holiday meal, great company, and the spirit of gratitude that makes this time of year so special.![]()
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We’ll gather together to share good food, laughter, and friendship as we celebrate all that we’re thankful for. This event is a wonderful way to connect with others and enjoy the warmth of the season.![]()
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🦃 Date: Friday, November 21st![]()
🍂 Time: 11:30 AM![]()
🥧 Location: Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center![]()
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Bring your appetite and your holiday cheer — we can’t wait to see you there!