SPOKANE, Wash. – In Spokane, the Mid-City Concerns Senior Center is offering a lifeline to seniors who may be experiencing loneliness.
Richard Neugebauer, a 79-year-old local senior, shared his thoughts on the community he has found at the center.
“It’s like my 2nd family… all my family has died… these are nice people, everybody is very nice,” he said.
According to the United Health Foundation, 44% of seniors aged 65 and older in Washington are at risk of experiencing loneliness. Meals on Wheels Spokane is stepping in to help with resources aimed at keeping seniors busy and healthy.
The Mid-City Concerns Senior Center opens its doors to seniors aged 60 and older from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. For a $25 annual fee, seniors receive a hot lunch every business day, free haircuts every six weeks, and health check-ups from WSU nurses.
Seniors can also enjoy a variety of activities, including Wii games and bingo. Bingo is particularly popular on Fridays, when prize bingo is held. Seniors even bring their own prizes to contribute to the pot.
Field trips are another highlight, with outings to Green Bluff in the fall, Indians games in the spring, Cat Tails during the summer, and picnics throughout the year. These trips come with discounts to paid events, all thanks to the senior center.
Owen Esperas, Director of Meals on Wheels Spokane, emphasized the importance of these activities.
“And so really the goal is to get folks out of their house, come down here to a place they feel safe and accepted, part of a community and then really build that community together and have some fun, right?” he said.
Additionally, Meals on Wheels Spokane has partnered with the Garland Theatre to offer seniors access to movies year-round for just $5. This initiative, called Senior Cinema Day, takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, allowing seniors to watch a movie from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with discounted concessions.
Neugebauer expressed his appreciation for these opportunities.
“It gets me out of my apartment and something to do… and associate with people that I like… and go to the movies together… it’s very nice,” he said.
Today at 1:00 p.m., the Garland Theatre will show “The Upside,” featuring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston. Seniors can sign up for the pass by showing their ID and paying $5. Meals on Wheels will provide transportation for senior center members from downtown. Others are encouraged to arrive by 12:30 p.m.
For more information on Meals on Wheels Spokane and the Garland Theatre, visit their respective websites.
