Living in Los Cerritos: Sufficient Support for Senior Citizens?
In the heart of Los Cerritos, the senior community is fortunate to have access to a wealth of resources designed to cater to their social, health, and caregiving needs. Beyond the Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park, these additional resources play a crucial role in enriching the lives of seniors in the area.
Senior Social Gatherings and Birthday Luncheons
The El Cerrito Community Center hosts weekly drop-in sessions for seniors to meet, socialize, and enjoy games like bridge, ping-pong, and crafting, with coffee and tea available for a nominal donation. These gatherings take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings. The center also hosts monthly Birthday Luncheon Celebrations to foster community and celebrate seniors in a social setting[1].
Respite Program for Caregivers
The El Cerrito Community Center offers a Respite Program designed to give caregivers temporary relief. This program caters to adults with memory loss, such as those affected by Alzheimer's or Dementia, with supervised activities. The program includes transportation services and operates on a school calendar basis[1].
Annual Senior Resource Fair
An annual Senior Resource Fair is held at the El Cerrito Community Center, connecting seniors and their families with local programs, services, housing resources, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and support services. This event is free to attend and is a vital resource for staying informed about the various services available[3].
Resource Specialists and Memory Care Center Services
AgingNext, a UC Irvine field study program, provides navigation support for seniors and families, social adult day programs for memory-impaired seniors, and no-cost transportation for medical and essential trips[2].
Ethnic Senior Associations
Multiple ethnic senior associations meet at the Cerritos Senior Center, expanding peer networks and cultural activities for seniors. These groups include Korean-American, Indo-American, Formosa, and Filipino senior groups[5].
Social and Mental Engagement Activities
Seniors in Los Cerritos can participate in a variety of social and mental engagement activities, such as movie screenings, literature classes, hula dancing, and ukulele lessons[4].
Fitness Classes and Vaccination Opportunities
The Cerritos Senior Center also offers fitness classes like Zumba, yoga, walking, aerobics, and chair exercises. In April 2021, Cerritos is offering three free COVID-19 vaccine opportunities for its residents[1]. Residents must bring a California I.D. or a valid I.D. with age and residency listed to their vaccination appointment[6].
Educational Opportunities and Library Access
The Cerritos Senior Center offers educational classes and workshops on topics like Medicare, reducing medical costs, improving driving skills, and lifelong learning. The Cerritos Public Library's comprehensive online catalog is accessible to seniors through the reading library at the Cerritos Senior Center[4].
Cerritos College also offers courses for older adults who want to brush up on Math, English, or participate in the Older Wiser Learner (OWL) courses[7].
Respite Care
Respite care is available in Los Cerritos, providing ongoing support for both caregivers and their elderly loved ones. Respite care facilities offer entertainment, special events, recreational and social activities, and exercise programs[8].
The Growing Senior Population in Los Cerritos
As the senior population in Los Cerritos continues to grow, so should its efforts to support them. It's emphasized that the city needs to provide the right support for its growing senior population to ensure older people have the resources and support they need to thrive, stay active, engaged, and connected[9].
References
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[9] Source 9
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