Some time ago, I wrote about a wonderful way to connect with other seniors, both visually impaired and sighted, by participating in interesting groups over the phone. That program was called Senior Center Without Walls. I continue to volunteer in this venue. But now it has another name.
senior center Without Walls is now known as Well Connected. Also re-branded is its parent entity, now called Covia. Yet the same diverse and fun activities still remain. Joining and calling in remains free. For anyone in the continental US who is over age sixty, Well connected is a fabulous way to learn new things and get to know others.
Well Connected offers all its groups over the phone, and some activities over Zoom on computer. Topics and interests range widely: armchair travel and bird watching, museum tours, book sharing, story reading aloud, trivia, brain teasers, poetry listening and reading, to name just some. There are currently three different groups for people with vision loss: one for low vision, a support group for the blind that I co-facilitate, and a third general vision loss group. These 45 minute to one hour long gatherings are facilitated, and are definitely not chat lines.
Perhaps the best offering of all is the daily Gratitude group. No matter what kind of mood one is in when first calling into the Gratitude group, he or she is bound to leave that day encouraged. Health experts tell us that active participation in mentally and socially stimulating pursuits is good for our bodies and brains, overcoming social isolation. Getting involved is especially helpful for those who find it difficult or costly to leave their homes, just to be in a social setting.
I have found my interactions in these phone groups to be both pleasurable and informative. Other CCB members have and are also volunteering as group facilitators or as guest presenters. For example, Ken and Pam Metz and I did a short series on self advocacy there two years ago.
You may feel that you are too busy or not currently disposed to join Well Connected. However it's my hope that you'll remember and share this resource with those you encounter who could benefit. You'll be doing them a service!
Contact Info for Well Connected
To sign up, request a braille schedule, get a print or flash drive catalog, call the office at 877-797-7299. You may leave a message if no one answers, and they will return your call.
The website is www.covia.org
Note: Well Connected is just one of Cover's programs, so one must search for Well Connected on the site.
See you on the phone!
