Local program addresses the loneliness epidemic in older adults

There is a loneliness epidemic among older adults, and the folks at the Vintage Silver Center are helping to address this.

The Vintage Silver Center is a recreational day program for seniors in Phoenix. It offers a range of activities and support to help seniors remain active, social, and engaged, while promoting overall health and well-being. Recreation Therapy offers a proven, human-centered approach to helping with loneliness, including using music, art, games, and connection to restore joy and purpose.

Brittany Jones, Co-founder and Co-owner of the Vintage Silver Center, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more about the program and how it is looking to help older adults in the valley.

Jones describes that people can go and drop off their loved ones at the center for the day. For newer members, the centers recreational therapist can conduct assessments that helps determine what goals a specific member has. These goals are then translated into activities best suited for members to achieve these targets.

For example, if a members goal is to be more social or physically active, the center can both provide or even make up activities that will help them reach that goal.

Jones explains that there are five domains for recreational therapy: social, emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual.

She says that the older aged popular tends to be targeted by the loneliness epidemic.

“Loneliness impacts over 50% of our population 60 or older, and so the goals will allow them to meet what needs that they’re looking for,” Jones said.

She says that some of the residents favorite activities include music and dancing. Additionally they enjoy cognitive activities that stimulate the brain such as trivia or name games. These games allow members to think and engage with one another.