Lancaster County Office of Aging (LCOA) announced the opening of LCOA Virtual Connections, a free virtual senior center for Lancaster County residents age 55 and older.
Like many businesses and programs, the eight Lancaster County senior centers closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the time they were closed, senior center staff members kept in contact with center participants by telephone and delivery of food. As the closures continued, many of the seniors expressed feelings of loneliness and isolation. While many counties continue to keep their centers closed, Lancaster County reopened its centers in August and September to provide socialization opportunities for seniors.
Due to social distancing protocols, the centers have restrictions on the number of participants allowed in the center at a time and are serving about one third of the previous number of people each day. With a reduced number of seniors being served by the brick and mortar senior centers and the feelings of isolation reported by seniors in the county, Lancaster County Office of Aging saw a need for virtual programming.
LCOA Virtual Connections is a free program that started in September. All classes are live with an instructor using Zoom as the virtual platform. Exercise classes are offered each week, including chair exercises, yoga, Zumba, Barre Class, and Move Your Body. Bingo, Family Face Off, Scattergories, Outburst and other games are offered weekly. New additions starting in November and December include ukulele lessons, technology classes, various art classes, and chat sessions. Community volunteers who are interested in hosting a class for the center are encouraged to contact LCOA at 717-299-7979.
Once programming is established, the next step for LCOA Virtual Connections is to form partnerships with local businesses. The hope is that when businesses upgrade their computer equipment, they will donate used equipment which would then be distributed to local seniors in need. Along with the equipment, instruction would be provided to the seniors on the use of the computer and access to the virtual center programs.
LCOA staff members developed and are managing LCOA Virtual Connections. Participants can be involved as much or as little as they choose. They can take one exercise class a month, or they can take many classes each week. Staff members are interacting with participants which provides an outside contact for people who feel isolated. Staff members have years of experience with LCOA and can explain services or make referrals as needed.
LCOA hopes that the new virtual program will continue to benefit Lancaster County older adults for years to come. For more information about LCOA Virtual Connections, readers may contact LCOA at the aforementioned phone number or email Lisa Paulson at paulsonl@co.lancaster.pa.us.
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