Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Fayetteville Activity Center Promotes Senior Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization, by the year 2050, the number of senior citizens in the world will have doubled in size – increasing from 900 million to 2 billion people over the age of 60. As it stands today, more than 20 percent of senior citizens live with a mental or neurological disorder, the most common of which are dementia and depression. With the increase in the senior population, the number of those affected by mental disorders will experience an increase as well. While dementia related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, are classi ed as neurological disorders and not mental illnesses, they often lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. It is common for senior citizens to feel isolated, lonely, experience a loss of their ability to live independently, or suffer from chronic pain, all of which can be a catalyst in developing mental health issues.
Mental health in our elderly population can be improved in several ways including maintaining an active lifestyle, if possible, and being provided with social support and interaction. Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center successfully delivers on both of those aspects. Located at 945 S. College, the center is BY SARAH HANEY NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE conveniently situated near historic downtown Fayetteville and offers an array of activities to engage the senior citizens of the community.
“Here at the center, we have a wonderful exercise program,” stated Center Director Cayla Wilson. “We have our drumming program, which is evidence based to help with coordination, dementia, and depression. It’s a really wonderful exercise to make you feel really less stressed and very happy.”
The center also has a billiards room where seniors can play a game of pool. “They love to play pool,” noted Wilson. “It is great for mental health because of the hand-eye coordination involved and it really helps stimulate the brain.”
Social interaction also plays a large role in the mental health of senior citizens and the center offers many opportunities for the older community to engage with one another. “We have a lot of seniors who are widowed, or they don’t have any family here in the area, so they come to the senior center and actually rebuild their family here,” stated Wilson. “We have folks that come here daily for a meal and socialization.”
Meals on Wheels is a program the center offers that also promotes social interaction, primarily with those senior citizens who are homebound. Wilson explained, “Our Meals on Wheels program is wonderful for homebound seniors because there is a lot of depression and there are some mental issues that go along with being homebound. With the program, the client gets a daily check-in and a friendly hello, which really boosts the spirits. We depend on volunteers to run our meal routes – we are always looking for volunteers for this program.”
The 12 year-old center boasts a tness center, dining hall and kitchen, exercise/yoga room, art/game room, library, outdoor patio seating area, and garden. There are plenty of activities to keep any visitor engaged and having fun. “The goal of the senior center is to provide a very positive and caring atmosphere for seniors in our community,” added Wilson.
The Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center will periodically host special events including an upcoming dance to be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, May 29. There will be a dessert bar and admission is $10. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.