During National Senior Center Month, we honor the crucial role that senior centers play in combatting social isolation and loneliness faced by so many older adults. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are highlighting how senior centers have quickly pivoted to provide these vital connections remotely. In normal times, senior centers are a …
The eBella Extra – Engaging In Issues Between The Issues Acceptance and Routine Seniors cope through COVID by staying connected by Julia Browning Everyone forced to unexpectedly isolate because of the COVID-19 pandemic has suffered the loss of the life they expected to be living. For senior citizens, who already face the threat of isolation …
Coronavirus combined with job loss and the financial impact on Southwest Florida has created a dire need. The doors are closed at The Naples Senior Center at JFCS, but with the pandemic keeping many seniors inside, their food pantry’s services have never been more critical. That’s why every Wednesday, volunteers step in to help the …
Florida has reported more than 10,000 cases of COVID-19 seven times in the past two weeks. Four of those days were all in a row, from this past Friday through Monday. Southwest Florida added 613 more cases Monday, bringing its total cases since March to more than 20,000. More positive cases are especially bad news …
Self-isolation during COVID-19 is creating a lot of feelings of loneliness in the community, especially for senior citizens. Having a furry friend around can help, but not everyone can handle a traditional pet. The solution? Robotic dogs and cats. “Fluffy” barks, pants, yawns, whines, growls and wags his tail. Most importantly, he keeps Dolores Fell …
By J.C. Amodea Maintaining independence for seniors is one of life’s most challenging issues and one each of us must face, either on behalf of family or, at some point, ourselves. Whether it is facing a life transition, overcoming grief or loss, food insecurity, financial need or dwindling social opportunities, it is a fact of …
The eBella Extra – Engaging In Issues Between The Issues Staying Connected, Now More Than Ever Naples Senior Center continues to help seniors gain interconnectivity by Julia Browning Not going into work, difficulty leaving the house, being separated from family and friends — these are situations a community under quarantine is painfully familiar with. …
Betty Ryan celebrated her 102nd birthday with a surprise visit from the staff of the Naples Senior Center, Friday, June 19, 2020, at Ryan’s home in North Naples. Click here to see the picture gallery featured on the Naples Daily News website.
Naples Senior Center volunteer Dorrie Karnis creates happiness every day by Julia Browning Dorothy Karnis — known as Dorrie to her many friends — has an innate ability for spreading smiles. She employs her joy-sharing superpower at the Naples Senior Center at JFCS (Jewish Family & Community Services, the founding organization). The nonprofit organization offers …
Even during the best of times, the stress and anxiety of coping with cognitive decline, feelings of loneliness and isolation, and a host of oftentimes interconnected health concerns create a unique set of challenges for Southwest Florida’s elderly residents and their families who fill a vital role as caretakers. Among the most vulnerable during the …
Every year in May, we celebrate “Older Americans Month” to recognize the contributions of older adults in our country. I think we all can agree that this year’s celebration is far different from those in the past. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us in ways we never thought possible. Social distancing and stay at home …
New research could give families the gift of time when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors diagnosed David Sprenkel’s wife Nancy with Alzheimer’s 25 years ago, but thanks to scientific advancements and new medications at the time, the disease was slowed, he said. “I had 20 or 25 years more of a better life together …