Education for Older Adults

COVID-19:

SCOSA's programs are being offered online via Zoom until further notice. SCOSA adheres to Stockton procedures for this evolving public health situation. CLICK HERE for the latest from Stockton. The CDC has issued detailed guidelines for older adults and others with high risk factors. (CLICK HERE). The main CDC COVID-19 site provides useful information for everyone. (CLICK HERE)

SCOSA offers educational opportunities for older adults that encourage vitality through physical, social, mental and spirutual engagement.

SCOSA programs are partially funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, through a grant by the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services. Thus, we are required to collect basic demographic information from participants and appreciate their onging cooperation. The NJ Division of Aging Services also compells us to inform participants about their Privacy and Non-Discrimination policies, available for review by Clicking Here.

SCOSA gladly accepts voluntary donations. Such donations are not a fee and are not required. Donations are used to develop and operate future programs. To donate directly to SCOSA please make checks payable to SCOSA and send them to: SCOSA/SOBL, Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205-9441. Please indicate if you need your donation to potentially be tax deductable. If so, we will put it into one of our Foundation funds; if not, we will deposit into a revenue account that directly supports our operating expenses.

Upcoming Older Adult Education, Socialization and Recreation Events

* We also encourage you to visit our Stockton Institute for Lifelong Learning listing by Clicking Here.

Beginning Writers' 14 Themes of Time to Tell Memoir Writing

February 04 - May 06

Beginning Writers' 14 Themes of Time to Tell Memoir Writing 2/4, 11, 18 & 25, 2021 1-2:30pm ONLINE VIA ZOOM | Interested in writing your family stories, but not sure where to begin? Join us for personalized instruction with 14 weekly meetings to help you chronicle the stories of your life.

Mindfulness Meditation and Guided Imagery

March 02 - April 27

Mindfulness Meditation and Guided Imagery 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27/2021 12-1pm ONLINE VIA ZOOM | Join us for some mindfulness and relaxation to help slow your thoughts and enjoy a sense of calm.

Honoring Black Womens' History Month: Conversation with Mary Starke Harper: A Legacy of Service Video and Discussion

March 03

Honoring Black Womens' History Month: Conversation with Mary Starke Harper: A Legacy of Service Video and Discussion Wednesday, 3/3/2021, 11am-12pm, Online via Zoom | This is a story of Mary Starke Harper, a black woman from Alabama who went on to become a psychologist, social scientist, and a nurse, with honorary degree in law and who advised six presidents in policy and research on mental health and aging. Dr. Poon became a friend of Dr. Harper when NIMH funded his research on the Georgia Centenarian Study in 1988. He interviewed her six months prior to her death due to cancer. She talked about her upbringing, career, family, as well as perseverance over her life time. She previewed the video for her family and closest colleagues 2 months prior to her death. The video was used in her honor by Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing research organization.

I Have a Civil War Ancestor... Now What?

March 04

I Have a Civil War Ancestor... Now What? Thursday, 3/4/2021, 6-7pm, Online via Zoom | Civil War soldiers often left a rich genealogical paper trail. Many of these records are tucked away at the National Archives in Washington DC. Learn what records are available for your ancestors only at the National Archives, what records are online already, and how to access all of them. These records may unlock some of the family stories that have been forgotten over time, as well as break down a brick wall or two!

SoulCollage and Creativity Workshops

March 05 - 19

SoulCollage and Creativity Workshops, Fridays, 3/5 & 3/19/2021, 1-2:30pm, Online via Zoom | A Mindfulness based, creative way to learn more about yourself. This workshop is an opportunity to take some time to learn more about yourself through a creative, personalized art process. No art experience is necessary. In the workshops, we will work together to share our art and hints to living more mindfully.

Irish Soda Bread Basket

March 06

Irish Soda Bread Basket, Saturday,3/6/2021, 10am-12pm, Swan bay Folk Art Center, 300 Sooys Landing Road, Port Republic | Participants will weave an 8" round twined bottom basket.

Health at Home Series

March 09 - 30

Health at Home, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, & 3/30/2021, 10-11am, Online on Zoom | Health at Home is a four week program that will consist of discussion and light exercise. The four weekly Zoom sessions will take place each Tuesday in March from 10AM-11AM. **Check with your doctor prior to starting this program.

Who, What, Where, When, How to Look at Your Photographs: Analyze, Organize, and Preserve

March 09

Who, What, Where, When, How to Look at Your Photographs: Analyze, Organize, and Preserve Tuesday, 3/9/2021, 2:30-3:30pm, Online on Zoom | You know that box of photographs you've been meaning to get to, but it just seems so overwhelming. Well, join us as we sort through some tips, hints, and clues on how to identify, organize, and preserve those family photographs.

Living Well Until the End: How the End of Life Should Match Individual Goals

March 10

ASA Webinar: Living Well Until the End: How the End of Life Should Match Individual Goals, Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 1-2pm, Online on Zoom | In America today, the end of life is not something that is regularly discussed. Often, when faced with issues of mortality, people suffer needlessly for a variety of reasons, from cultural and clinical misunderstandings to matters of healthcare access. It is important for communities and healthcare systems to work together to improve end-of-life experiences and normalize end-of-life planning to ensure individuals can live out their lives according to their values and with goals realized.

Wednesdays at One

March 10 - April 14

Wednesdays at One, March 10, 17, 24, & 31, 1-2pm, Online Via Zoom | Wednesdays at One will be an opportunity for participants to learn with and from Stockton graduate occupational therapy students. Six sessions will be offered via Zoom on Wednesdays at 1pm and all are welcome. If you need assistance setting up Zoom, please contact megan.foti@stockton.edu and she will connect you with someone to support you. Session dates and topics are as follows: March 10 - Plant a Flower Day: Therapeutic benefits of gardening March 17 - St. Patrick's Day: Irish American Heritage Month March 24 - National Puppy Day: Therapeutic benefits of pets and animals March 31 - National Nutrition Month: Foods for physical and mental health April 7 - Draw a Picture of a Bird Day: Catch the sight and sound of a pretty bird April 14 - National Scrabble Day: Benefits of board games and leisure activities

Time to Tell Memoir Writing

March 12

Time to Tell Memoir Writing, Friday, March 12, 2021, 12-1:30pm, Online via Zoom | Personalized instruction with monthly meetings to help you chronicle the stories of your life. Creative writing styles, including poetry and photographs, can also be used to tell your story.

Therapeutic Art Students' Presentations

March 12 - April 23

Therapeutic Art Students' Presentations, Various dates in March and April click link for details), Online on Zoom | Join the students of Therapeutic Arts with Older Adults to learn about art, music, & movements and their therapeutic uses.

Make-Along Felt Shamrock Ornament

March 13

Make-Along Felt Shamrock Ornament , Saturday, 3/13/2021, 10am-12pm Online via Zoom | Love to hand sew and craft? Want a cute decoration for St. Patrick's Day? Join this virtual class to learn how to blanket stitch and add decorations to a cute felt Shamrock ornament. Pre-assembled kits are available for purchase, which include the pre-cut felt, thread, stuffing, needles and decorations. You will only need to have scissors on hand to complete the project. Or gather materials from your own stash and join us in the zoom for stitching and fun conversation!

ASA Webinar: Polypharmacy and Older Adults

March 17

ASA Webinar: Polypharmacy and Older Adults, Wednesday 3/17/2021 1-2pm, Online via Zoom | Polypharmacy has many definitions. One all-encompassing definition for our purposes is the simultaneous use in one patient of multiple medications and/or supplements to treat one or more medical conditions. Polypharmacy medication related problems (MRPs) significantly increase healthcare costs and the risk of poor medical outcomes.

Honoring Irish American and Womens' History Month: A Lonely Voyage: Late 19th Century Irish Immigrant Women in the United States

March 18 - 25

Honoring Irish American and Womens' History Month: A Lonely Voyage: Late 19th Century Irish Immigrant Women in the United States , Thursday 3/18/2021, 6:30-7:30pm, Online via Zoom | An often critical and overlooked part of family history research is discovering the story and context of our ancestors' lives. In this program, Elizabeth Hodges will share the historical context surrounding female Irish immigration to the United States in the late 19th century, and explore what life was like for many of these young women. Join us to learn about a generation of Irish women who generally traveled alone to the United States. Presented by: Elizabeth Hodges.

Tapping the Source

March 20

Tapping the Source, 3/20/2021, 10am-1pm, Online on Zoom | In this class, Poetry and Memoir (creative non-fiction) will be used to shape the thoughts and experiences which inspire you to write your story. Through various activities and writing prompts, your stories will surface; through the community of this writing group, you can refine and polish your story. Our goal will not only be self-expression, but communication with our readers, whether they be grandchildren, friends, or a future publisher. Resources and information will be provided for writers who feel ready to publish their work, whether they wish to submit it to a journal, blog, or have it put in a local publication.

Diaries in Times of Crisis

March 25

Diaries in Times of Crisis, 3/25/2021, 12-1:30pm, Online on Zoom | We write during crisis and disasters for many reasons. To occupy our minds, to cope with our feelings. And, I would suggest, to record what it is like to live through such an experience. As a social historian, I have done a lot of oral history, or remembered history. Interviewing people about their lives, about specific events or places. And writing about that, always with the sense of urgency - a need to capture the lived experience before those voices are gone.

Honoring Irish American and Womens' History Month: An Extraordinary Irish Immigrant: Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly

March 25

Honoring Irish American and Womens' History Month: An Extraordinary Irish Immigrant: Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly, 3/25/2021, 6:30-7:30pm, Online via Zoom | To New Yorkers of a century ago, the name Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly was well-known and familiar to many. Born in Ireland but raised in the US, Kelly broke glass ceilings in her lifetime and maintained commitments to Irish matters, as well as activism around other issues. A New York mayor had a New York City playground named after her in the 1930s, but 90 years later her accomplishments had been largely forgotten. This lecture uncovers some of the history of Dr. Kelly as a way to shed light on the concerns of Irish New Yorkers a century ago. Presented by Miriam Nyhan Grey.