Celebrating milestones in isolation

Other Side of 50


 

 

Birthdays during the pandemic have certainly changed.

Take, for example, a first birthday, which is full of symbolic meaning. It’s a time when a child’s parents reflect on how quickly the year has gone. One-year-olds have achieved so much in their first short year. They have developed their own personality and can really enjoy the excitement of a party just for them.

My great-nephew, Wyatt, turned 1 this past week.

His parents, grandparents and great-grandmother held a socially distanced outdoor fishing-themed party for him. Neighbors and friends drove up, stayed in their cars to drop off gifts and send well-wishes, and were treated to a to-go lunch including a hot dog, bag of chips, soda and birthday cake.

Wyatt will never know his birthday celebration was different than it might have been pre-pandemic. However, those of us with history know that this year’s birthday will likely be different from those in the past.

Last week was also my friend Adrienne’s birthday. She turned 77. Normally we would celebrate at a restaurant—enjoying cocktails, dinner and conversation. This year, we decided to get together over a socially distanced cocktail in my backyard, but that was nixed when the 6 p.m. Los Angeles County-wide curfew was imposed.

Andrea Gallagher, a certified senior advisor, is president of Senior Concerns, a nonprofit agency serving Ventura and western Los Angeles counties. For more information, visit the website at seniorconcerns.org or email agallagher@seniorconcerns.org.

Andrea Gallagher, a certified senior advisor, is president of Senior Concerns, a nonprofit agency serving Ventura and western Los Angeles counties. For more information, visit the website at seniorconcerns.org or email agallagher@seniorconcerns.org.

We rescheduled for a time in the future because skipping her celebration is just not an option.

It isn’t only my great-nephew or my friend Adrienne who enjoys being celebrated. People all over the world attach a certain magic to their birthday. There’s nothing quite so touching as a birthday party, an event specifically designed to celebrate us and a time for our friends and family to show their affection.

Birthday celebrations have become institutionalized in our society. Many of us have been to a restaurant where they deliver a small dessert and sing to someone celebrating a birthday. Birthdays just don’t feel the same without a commemoration of sorts.

Customarily, birthdays include a party with friends and family. The pandemic, however, has upended traditional celebrations in ways that reflect the need for social distancing, the difficulty of traveling to see one another and the hard realities of putting loved ones at risk.

While some, like Wyatt’s parents, have become creative, what can we do for older adults in our community who are having a birthday and are not ready or able to leave their homes to celebrate with family and friends?

Now, more than ever, social connection is so very important for older adults. As Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin said recently on an interview with KCLU, “We have to show our seniors some love.”

Each year of life is a gift to be celebrated, especially at this time. So, enter the newest program from Senior Concerns— a monthly Birthday Party over Zoom.

Parties will take place at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, as follows: June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.

Everyone 65 and older is invited, along with a loved one, if desired. Participants may join whether it is their birthday or not, but be sure to let Senior Concerns know if your birthday is in June so you can be celebrated at this month’s party.

The party is free to join. To register, send an email to info@seniorconcerns.org or call (805) 497-0189. A week before the event, registrants will be sent the Zoom link along with instructions to prepare.

Surprises are in store, so don’t be shy, come join the party!