What Can We Learn from Spending a Day with Seniors at the De Wall Senior Citizen Center?

Inside the Red Bird Mission De Wall Senior Center, you will find a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of belonging.

For the folks of Bell and Clay County aged 60 and over, this is a place where a generation can come together to build friendships, support systems and share their life experiences.

Besides building a sense of community and offering support services, this unique Senior Center is all about serving up healthy meals, organizing fun activities, and providing educational opportunities.

After introducing myself and meeting the wonderful group of ladies at the center, is there a better way to kick off the morning than with "Bingocise?"

Elderly Ministries Coordinator, Tammy Adams, asks the question, "Kayla, would you like to join us?" I politely decline, eager to witness this mysterious activity called "Bingocise."

The charming ladies had already given me my bingo card and urged me to play, how could I say no? Bingocise combines the game of bingo with exercise and heath education. As Tammy calls out a number, the ladies participating will answer a topic related question such as "fall prevention,"

followed by an exercise to enhance balance and mobility.

11:30 lunch is served, featuring a delicious and healthy selection of chicken and dumplings, corn, and tomatoes.

After getting our bellies full of good nutrition, the ladies are treated by a shopping trip to the Red Bird Community Store.

Starting March 13th, The De Wall Senior Center is excited

to announce the launch of a "Men's Group" meeting

every other Thursday at 10:15am.

In the Men's Group, you'll explore fun activities like wood crafting, building birdhouses, and growing a garden in a raised bed. Leading the group is Tate Adams, who says you wont want to miss out on the fishing trips he has planned!

Tate also emphasizes the need for a 3D printer donation to support the creative resources, enhancing educational and crafting activities for both groups at the Senior Center.

What I have learned from spending a day with seniors

at The De Wall Senior Center.

I discovered that this center is more than just a structure on the old Red Bird campus. It truly influences the lives of the kind individuals attending the meetings, with some having attended for 20 years.

I deeply admire the kind-hearted staff, volunteers, and coordinators at Red Bird Mission Elderly Ministries and Senior Care for the positive impact they are making in the lives of others.

This branch of the Red Bird tree is dedicated to

caring for our cherished elders, our grandparents and great-grandparents

—the wise storytellers and hard workers.