Seniors Celebrate Life on the Lower East Side
By Chelsea Nuesi
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Seniors on the Lower East Side celebrated in style at “Celebrate Life on the Lower East Side,” the Senior Services Health Fair held on Wednesday, June 10th. Nearly 300 seniors gathered in a courtyard of the Vladeck Houses on the picture-perfect afternoon to participate in exciting activities that encouraged them to show off their moves and embrace their ethnic heritage. The goal of the event was to reinforce healthy practices with fun and engaging activities.
The courtyard was festooned with colorful balloons, banners and large vintage photographs of the Lower East Side. David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street, and Janet Fisher, Chief Administrator for Senior Services, spoke about the Settlement’s mission to promote education, health, and culture to help the community lead better lives.
The fair’s entertainment and activities reflected the community’s multiple cultures and traditions through activities ranging from belly dancing to Tai Chi to the vibrant music from Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Seniors of all backgrounds circled the center of the courtyard to learn the art of belly dancing. They were given colorful coin-adorned hip scarves, de rigueur for the Egyptian art form that began more 6,000 years ago. In the beginning, there were shy smiles and laughter, but eventually, the seniors made their way to the center of the circle and confidently expressed their dance talents in front of the audience of fellow seniors.
Along with fresh knishes and popcorn, the fairgoers were offered free health screenings and wellness information. With special thanks to sponsors Macy’s, Gouverneur Health and MetroPlus Health Plan, the division also acknowledges the following exhibitors: PSS Caregivers Support Program, Department for the Aging, HIICAP, Mount Sanai/Beth Israel, Ryan Nena Health Center, New York Family Justice Center, NYPLMH, Betances Health Center, VNSNY, New York State, Senator Daniel Squadron, Pace University, Lighthouse Guild, Museum at Eldridge Street, Smart-MH, Sage and SageDay, Department of Health, Time Warner, Hakuna Homecare, Visions and Healthcare Education Project.
Many seniors on the Lower East Side are isolated due to limited English language skills, health issues and more. Henry Street Senior Services offers several programs, including the Good Companions Senior Center, Vladeck Cares NORC, Meals on Wheels and the Senior Companion Program, to help seniors live healthy, independent lives by connecting them to needed services.
Don’t forget to catch belly dancing classes with Henry Street Senior Services on Mondays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and Tai Chi classes on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.!
