January 9, 2025
Each of us deserves to live in the familiar surroundings of our own homes for as long as safely possible. Adults above the age of 65, who live alone, may experience social isolation. If the isolation goes unaddressed, this can impact one's mental health and lead to loneliness.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas offers More Than a Meal, and that includes providing social time that helps prevent isolation and loneliness. Our Congregate Lunch Centers work to meet a variety of our neighbors' needs including nutrition, socialization, and mental stimulation.
Congregate Lunch Centers Help Promote All-Around Health
In 2020, our congregate program was selected as one of sixteen congregate meal providers to partake in the Texas Congregate Meal Initiative (TCMI), a pilot program designed by Texas A&M Mays Business School (PPRI) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The initiative came about out of the recognition that a significant portion of adults over the age of 60 experience social isolation and food insecurity. While congregate centers offered plenty of benefits including social interaction, nutrition services, health education, and other activities tailored to meet the needs of older adults, researchers noted a drastic decline in the participation at these centers.
The TCMI initiative strived to develop and test low-cost innovations to increase participation at congregate sites and expand these services amongst the older adult community. Through this pilot, Meals on Wheels Central Texas proposed the implementation of virtual classes, creating partnerships and learning opportunities with local universities and organizations, and creating virtual socialization opportunities for neighbors.
Congregate meal programs are free, accessible, and supportive community spaces for older adults. Thanks to TCMI and consistent support from the community, our Congregate Lunch Centers are open and ready to support neighbors.
Benefits to Lifelong Learning
MOWCTX neighbors can visit any of the many Congregate Lunch Centers we have in the Greater Austin region, so long as they feel physically capable to do so. At Congregate Social Sites, neighbors can participate in games like BINGO, cards, chess, puzzles, and even light exercise activities. Congregate Centers strive to help neighbors stay engaged and keep their minds sharp.
Studies reveal that those who engage in lifelong learning, especially those doing so in a social environment, lead longer lives and can reduce their risk of health conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Continued learning may also improve one's overall well-being and boost one's optimism.
Below are some benefits of lifelong learning:
Increase brain health. When you process new information, your brain forms new neural connections through a process called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is essential to maintain brain health.
Increase self-fulfillment. Learning can require patience, concentration, and time. Taking the time to process new knowledge can feel very rewarding. This self-fulfillment is sure to help boost your mental health.
Improve self-confidence. Studying a new topic or even mastering knowledge in a specific subject can help you feel more assured in your abilities. If you struggle with a new topic or skill, you may also have improved confidence after overcoming obstacles in your learning journey.
Prevent boredom. Incorporating a new skill, hobby or passtime can give you something to look forward to. You control when you dedicate time to learning. Make a routine of it to prevent boredom!
Expand social connections. Whether you learn alone or in a group, you will have a new interest to share. Bonding over a shared interest or attending group learning activities can help you make new friends and feel more connected to community.
Join the fun at one of our Congregate Lunch Centers to experience the variety of benefits that come from embarking on a learning journey! Below are more ways you can take part in education opportunities at home, with neighbor peers, and out in the community.
Ways to Engage in Lifelong Learning
By staying curious, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and engage in self-discovery. Throughout our lifetimes, our interests and curiosities can change. The good news is that there are many free learning opportunities just a book, a stroll, or an internet search away.
For those of us who prefer to stay offline, or learn in person, community centers and public libraries are great resources. And if you prefer learning alone and at home, grab a book and cozy up in a nook because reading is a wonderful way to expand your horizons in place.
Below are more ways to engage in lifelong learning:
- Start a new hobby or skill (or reignite an old one)--painting, crocheting, plant care, reading etc.
- Take part in research or a study in-person or online--take a cooking class, learn a new language, study health topics etc.
- Learn about the world through virtual exploration--view Google arts and culture tours
- Watch nature & wildlife livestreams--try watching sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Engage in immersive virtual travel--visit the Great Wall of China from your living room
- Stream live performances or lectures--dive into a world of storytelling by streaming Opera off the Met's website
Learning is often emphasized in early life with the structure of school molding us into students. You can be a student at any age. It's really beneficial for your mental health! There are so many tools and resources to learn. A world of knowledge (potentially new to you) awaits. Our neighbors who want to sharpen their minds and stay engaged alongside neighbor peers are always welcomed at Meals on Wheels Central Texas Congregate Lunch Centers. Join for nourishment, companionship, exercise for the mind, and socialization.
For those that want to support our neighbors in their lifelong learning journeys, you can make a gift to support our Congregate Lunch Centers and other services that meet the various needs of our neighbors.