Highlighting Wallis Annenberg’s vision, including her concern that far too many older adults are living in isolation, NPR’s Allison Aubrey profiled the community GenSpace has created in LA’s Koreatown and our goal to create a space where members feel welcome and seen.
“We have a culture that doesn’t respect the elderly enough,” said Wallis Annenberg. When ageism creeps into our thinking, “…it creates tremendous damage in the way we view people who we should cherish and embrace.”
Aubrey notes in her feature that 11,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. Older adults are the fastest growing population, making GenSpace’s purpose and mission all the more clear – older adults need more spaces where they feel comfortable, safe, and empowered to pursue creativity, health, and connection.
Aubrey spoke with a range of GenSpace members about their experience taking classes, meeting new people, and being exposed to new activities at GenSpace.
“I still feel young inside and spunky,” said Ann Batcheller.
“If you can just step into a place and have so much fun at our age, it’s a wonderful thing,” said Lorraine Morland. “You’d think we’re teenagers again…we’re valued here. They give you love and dignity. It’s a beautiful place.”
Many members tell Aubrey that they found GenSpace after visiting other centers for older adults that felt antiquated and stale. Several members recounted instances in restaurants or other public places where they began to feel invisible.
This treatment can lead to isolation and depression for some older adults. Growing research finds social interaction and social connections to be the most important factor in healthy aging, while loneliness has been linked to a range of health problems including heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
But in a culture that often shuts out older adults, many often recede into their homes and lose their last forms of connection. GenSpace aims to change that – to be a vibrant place where older adults can come to take classes or simply gather to enjoy conversation with others.
Members recounted to Aubrey that the moment they walked into GenSpace they found the environment to be positive and dynamic. And the community aspect has kept them coming back each week to take new classes or meet with friends. For many members, it has led to improved health – both physical and mental.
Read and listen to the full piece on NPR here.
