A creative recipe to engage older adults
By Tara Vodihn
The concept of “aging” in the United States has undergone a radical shift. Baby Boomers are not willing to equate decline with destiny, and are defying all previous expectations of what getting older looks like. So how can recreation professionals successfully engage older adults to facilitate a higher quality of life and greater well-being? The Old Bakery and Emporium in Austin, Texas, has some answers.
The goals of the program are to provide a meaningful volunteer activity for older adults, the potential to earn additional income, and the ability to socialize. Research and literature illuminate the strong roles that efficacy, empowerment, and social engagement play in creating and maintaining well-being later in life.[1]
What Exactly Is It?
The Old Bakery and Emporium is a joint project of the senior-programs section of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the First Lady's Volunteer Program of the Texas Center for Volunteer Action. The building is located in the heart of Austin, a stone’s throw from the state capitol. It is a registered national landmark and was built by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg in 1876. As the name suggests, it was a bakery until 1936. The Old Bakery maintains its links to the past by housing the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection, which provides a look at what life was like in the early years of Austin. Other features are a gift shop and an art gallery. Out-of-town visitors can also find maps, water, and souvenirs.