Project Recommendation #6
Project Recommendation #6
The Area Agency on Aging will collaborate with the six incorporated cities on providing new or expanded senior activities and gathering spaces.
California's 5 Bold Goals: Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation; Affording Aging
AARP's 8 Domains of Livability: Social Participation; Respect & Social Inclusion
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, social connection—the structure, function, and quality of our relationships with others—is a critical and underappreciated contributor to individual and population health, community safety, resilience, and prosperity. A lack of social connection poses a significant risk for individual health and longevity. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively. They can also have significant economic costs to individuals, communities, and society. Social isolation among older adults alone accounts for an estimated $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending annually, largely due to increased hospital and nursing facility spending.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly heightened social isolation and loneliness, impacting mental and physical health, particularly among vulnerable populations like older adults. Quarantine and social distancing measures, while crucial for preventing the virus's spread, inadvertently led to increased feelings of isolation and disconnection. This, in turn, had negative consequences on both individual well-being and overall societal health.
However, Merced County seniors and people with disabilities are rejoining public spaces. The community needs assessment captured a variety of interests for social connection, from dancing, music, and fitness programs, to congregate meals, to arts and crafts. It is important that Merced County recognize the profound health implications of providing these types of programs for older adults and people with disabilities, and to support local jurisdictions in coordinating, hosting, and affording program delivery.
Each of the six (6) incorporated cities of Merced County—Merced, Los Banos, Gustine, Dos Palos, Livingston, and Atwater—has a recreation and parks department with varying levels of existing programming for seniors and people with disabilities. The Area Agency on Aging will work with these departments, and other community partners such as senior and social clubs, private gyms, libraries, and nonprofit organizations, to expand existing offerings, improve language access, communications and promotions, and offer new classes, events, programs, and transportation options.
The Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of activities for seniors and people with disabilities, whether through its Living Well Cafés or hosted at local venues around the county. It also hosts the annual Older Americans Recognition event in May. The Merced Senior Community Center offers health and fitness opportunities such as mat and chair yoga, Tai Chi, and dance classes; games and craft activities such as pinochle, bridge, dominoes, wood carving, creative writing, theater, and mahjong; and leisure options such as a computer lab, library, and pool room. The Los Banos Community Center offers a senior walking class and bingocize; the Golden Age Club; arts, crafts and quilting; games such as macho and bingo; and an annual senior appreciation event, Salute to Seniors.
Merced County Area Agency on Aging staff can collaborate with the six incorporated cities on providing new or expanded senior activities and gathering spaces within twenty-four (24) months of the adoption of this Action Plan by the County Board of Supervisors. With new funding streams and depending on the level of support of community partners, this timeline estimate could be expedited, as well as extended.
By June 30, 2027, Merced County will have increased participation in targeted senior social and recreational programs by 20% over fiscal year 2023-24 baseline attendance and/or enrollment.
As part of an annual survey of older adults, the Area Agency on Aging will assess its success promoting targeted senior social and recreational programs in different communities across the county. In comparison to a baseline rating determined at the start of fiscal year 2025-26, 30% more older adults will be aware of these programs by June 30, 2030.
As part of the next Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA®) report, 50% of Merced County older adults will assess the opportunities to attend social events or activities as excellent or good.
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