Take a Senior Out Promotes Social Inclusion

On Thursday, May 24, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) partnered with YWCA of Bethlehem and the Allentown Art Museum to host Take a Senior Out with participants in the YWCA Adult Day Services program.
 
“This is the first in a series of events at local cultural institutions,” said Carmen Bell, Director, Healthy Aging, UWGLV. “Social inclusion is a key factor in an Age-Friendly Community. With Take a Senior Out, we can combat social isolation and connect seniors to their community. It gives them an opportunity for fellowship with one another and to experience an enjoyable event without the barriers of fear and transportation.”
 
Participants received accessible transportation to the Allentown Art Museum and private, guided tours of the current exhibit Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present.
 
“I adore that the YWCA and United Way could offer this opportunity and that I was invited to be a part of it,” said Jean Anne Shafferman, who joined her husband David on the tour.



David, 65, has Alzheimer’s disease and recently began attending the Adult Day Services Center five days a week.
 
“We found the regularity of schedule has been very good for him, and frankly, it makes me a better caregiver,” remarked Jean Anne. “I juggle two part-time jobs from home, which are very satisfying. He’s in a better mood when I pick him up, and I have much more energy. Now, we have lovely evenings and weekends together.”
 
Who Shot Sports features almost 200 photographs from a wide array of sports around the globe, exposing not only the physical prowess of athletes but universal themes such as aesthetic beauty, teamwork and raw human emotion.
 
“David is a retired architect, and he also was on the state championship baseball team in Kentucky in 1970, so he’s very into sports. He adored coming to the Allentown Art Museum, seeing the sports photography and seeing how many of the shots that were taken that had architectural perspectives,” added Jean Anne.
 


Connie Maxwell of Breinigsville accompanied her mother June Diehl for the day and also felt the power of the exhibit.
 
“They’re all up and smiling and having a wonderful time. My mother owned a picture-frame shop, so for her, being here with the art was amazing,” said Connie. “When you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, you feel isolated, and you feel alone it in. I want people to know that these programs are out there. Without the YWCA Adult Day Services Center, we would be struggling to keep her at home and out of a live-in facility. I wasn’t able to work outside the home. Now, I’m going to be able to get a job again.”
 
Following the tour, guests visited in the Museum Café and enjoyed a healthy lunch.
 
“It was fantastic. This gave them an opportunity to go out in the community, see the art show and have a fantastic lunch. The seniors are so happy and enjoyed themselves so much, that we’re thinking about where to go next!” said YWCA’s Executive Director Stephanie Hnatiw.

For more information about Take a Senior Out, please contact Carmen Bell at 610.807.5717.