Claret Hall, Site of Pilot Program “Senior Center without Walls”

With the generous support from a Horizon Foundation Health Equity Grant, the Howard County Chinese School has created a “Senior Center Without Walls” pilot program with the goals of increasing older adults’ connections to others, reducing feelings of isolation, increasing mental stimulation, and creating a sense of community. This pro-gram takes place at Claret Hall (6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville) every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The seniors began meeting in November 2019 and the program continues through March 2020. Current activities include chorus, line dancing, poker, Mahjong and board games, and most participants are Chinese Americans.

The Howard County Chinese School aims to expand the program to serve all seniors in our community, regard-less of race, ethnicity and country of origin, and to set up a self-sustaining multi-cultural program. The school is taking an “asset-based” approach and regards the seniors not only as clients who need services, but also as assets to the community. Each senior brings their unique back-ground, professional experiences, and talents to the group. All older adults aged 60 and up are invited to participate in the weekly gatherings.

The Chinese seniors had been organizing a special Lunar New Year Celebration with music, dance, food and cultural exhibitions to be held on February 5, at Claret Hall, however, due to increasing concerns about the Coronavirus outbreak, the event has been cancelled.