National Nutrition Month is March and is a good time to take a look at factors that might be interfering with your efforts to make sure you and your loved one are eating healthy. There’s no question that selecting fresh, healthy ingredients is fundamental to older-adult nutrition.
As elders living alone and as caregivers, we’re often called on to plan meals, prepare food, shop for groceries and sometimes eat alone or serve meals to our older adult loved ones.
Besides making sure food and snacks are on hand and properly stored, we also may need to ensure items that become spoiled, stale or otherwise past their prime are promptly discarded.
But what if you’ve done everything to motivate yourself to inspire meal prep and/or follow what the experts recommend and Mom or Dad just will not eat? If you’ve already ruled out medical conditions or side effects from a prescribed medication, you might consider adjusting other parts of the food routine to see if it changes your results.
Start with timing. We all know that people are supposed to eat three meals each day at standardized times during the day. But as an older adult or if there is an older person in your care, his or her metabolism may not have received that message. It can be useful to serve the meals you/they want when you or your loved one is actually hungry for them. Even if vegetables aren’t your particular idea of a well-balanced breakfast, if that’s when you or your older adult wants them, who are we to judge?
Adapt serving styles to your/their preferences. As we get older, our abilities for different tasks change in ways that are unique to each individual. If you suspect you or your elder may be uncomfortable with certain utensils, find a work-around. Serving soup in a coffee cup, for example, or cutting roast chicken into finger-friendly strips may be a solution.
Don’t be afraid to spice things up. Nobody likes to eat food that tastes like nothing. As we age, our sense of taste can change or diminish. Some families we serve have found success with adding extra herbs and spices to an older adult’s food, even if they previously didn’t care for stronger flavors. Just be conscious of salt intake and any other dietary restrictions.
At Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), we take proper nutrition seriously and are always looking for ways to make healthy eating more enjoyable and accessible for those in our community.
If you are an adult 60 or older, or are a caregiver of an older adult who needs nutrition support, please reach out to ASI to learn more about our signature meal program, how to benefit from supplemental nutrition options like meal kits/produce boxes, and/or receive nutrition counseling.
Contact ASI at (970) 264-2167 or stop by the office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the rear of the Ross Aragon Community Center.
New caregiver support group starting March 27
The Senior Center will be hosting a new support group beginning in March.
If you are caring for a family member or friend with physical/mental disability, emotional health needs or cognitive decline, this group was created for you.
Note: This group is not limited to only caregivers of older adults. Caregivers of all types are welcome. This group offers a safe, welcoming space for caregivers seeking connection, empathy and encouragement. Whether you’re looking for understanding during difficult times or just need a community to lean on, we’re here for you.
These sessions will also offer educational resources to grow you in the knowledge and skill to strengthen self-care, to care for your loved ones and empower you to navigate your role as a caregiver, one day at a time.
Dates for the monthly caregiver support gathering in 2025 include: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
All meetings will be held at the Community Center in the West Conference Room (except the August gathering will be in a local park) from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
If you have questions or would like to be added to our announcement list, please contact Yeun Fiedler at (970) 946-5810 or Madeline Sutton at (970) 507-1574.
T’ai chi chih
The Senior Center offers t’ai chi chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Meet in the Senior Center dining hall.
T’ai chi chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice.
All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately one hour.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
For more information, call (970) 264-2167.
Brain fitness and mobility program
Join us Mondays through March 24 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Senior Center for a free six-week new Ageless Grace exercise program, taught by Judy, a trained facilitator who will support and help you learn gentle movements to enhance brain health and mobility.
We will spend 30 minutes in a chair exercising and stimulating five areas of our brain functioning. Yes, it is possible to strengthen our neural connections even as we age.
Anyone age 21 and older is invited and encouraged to participate in this program.
It is a cutting-edge brain fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all five functions of the brain — strategic planning, memory/recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination, kinesthetic learning — and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal health functioning.
Scrapbooking and
crafters club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd., within the dining hall in the Senior Center.
This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative techniques, share supplies and indulge in a potluck lunch together. Bring your scrapbooking projects — or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group.
Help us create an intergenerational community. Those ages 18 and older are welcome. For those youth age 17 and younger, we kindly request an adult chaperone accompany them.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting, along with handy tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.
Meals on Wheels
volunteers needed
For more than 50 years, the Senior Center (established in 1971)/ASI (established in 2013) has been meeting the social and nutritional needs of older adults (age 60 and better) in our community.
We serve thousands of nutritious meals annually in Archuleta County, and volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels and friendly visits/wellness checks to homebound older adults.
We depend on more than 55 volunteers annually to help us serve and deliver meals and provide other wrap-around services.
The cost of each meal is $10.50, but we only ask for a suggested donation of $6 per meal. Meal recipients are asked to contribute what they can afford, and no one is ever turned down.
Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Participants must be at home to receive meals. Meals will not be left.
Meals on Wheels volunteers receive background checks and training prior to delivery. Typically a volunteer shift is one day a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. depending on the size of the route. Staff works closely with volunteers to allow for periodic breaks.
If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application. Questions? Please call ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Stretching and mobility class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday this fall and winter from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center.
The stretching and mobility classes for older adults (age 55 and up) are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class.
The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Bingo
The Senior Center continues to host free community bingo games twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The upcoming date is March 21.
Bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required. Help us create an intergenerational community.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
For more information, contact us at (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 p.m. for a series of Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn.
Salmansohn brings to our conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with others living within the Archuleta community for friendship and togetherness.
Snacks will be provided.
Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, is a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., following Senior Conversations.
The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Open to all. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den, aka the Community Cafe, in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is open to all. Pickup is available all week.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays.
Community Cafe menu
Thursday, March 13 — Beef spaghetti, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
Friday, March 14 — Mushroom and spinach crepes, peas and pearl onions, garden salad, fruit, carrot cake and milk.
Monday, March 17 — Beef chili with cheese, wilted spinach, jalapeno cornbread, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, March 18 — Chef salad, fresh berries, croutons, grilled cheese sandwich, tomato basil soup and milk.
Wednesday, March 19 — Crispy cod with tartar sauce and lemon, rice pilaf, broccoli, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese, and milk.
Thursday, March 20 — Pork tenderloin with harvest chutney, sweet corn, garden salad, banana pudding, muffin and milk.
Friday, March 21 — Potato leek soup, focaccia bread, garden salad, fruit, dessert bar and milk.
Grab-N-Go meals
Dine-in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6 helps to sustain our program. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
Meals on Wheels
We deliver fresh Meals on Wheels five days a week (and provide frozen Meals on Wheels for weekends) to homebound Archuleta County residents. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167.
Mobile food pantry
service
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the MET to schedule a ride with its paratransit service. For more information, contact Lavonne at (970) 264-2250.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Texting services are available for dine-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals and Meals on Wheels recipients.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair.
Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m.
Medicare call by
appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext 2.
Mindful drawing
Mindful drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join our friendly instructor, Roberta Strickland.
Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. in the Senior Center. This activity is open to all ages. Help us create an intergenerational community. For those under 18 and/or with disabilities, you are welcome to join us, but we kindly ask you to please bring an adult chaperone with you.
Bridge
The longest-played bridge game in Archuleta County takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
Hand and foot card game
Whether you are new to hand and foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds of playing until the final round is reached — some two to three hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years.
No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. The terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term.
Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
Support the Senior Center
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County.
You may mail your donation to P.O. BOX 3444, Pagosa Springs CO 81147, or please visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button).
Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors Inc.
We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
