What’s new at CEI: Picnics by the Bay
Nature is a great healer, and so is dining with friends.
“When people eat alone, they don’t eat as well, or enough,” says Carol Habercross, CEI Nutrition Services manager.
And as a lot of research – and anyone who has enjoyed a day at the beach or a walk in the woods – can attest to, being outdoors just makes us feel good.
“It’s always a pleasure to get out – I love our trips!” said a CEI participant recently.
Picnics at the waterfront
The beach picnics at Crab Cove in Alameda and the San Leandro Marina are highlights of CEI’s summer activity program. Our picnics feature barbecue, music, balloon hats, and popular raffle prizes.
“It’s a barbecue, it’s fun and socially stimulating,” Carol says.
The Ferry, the Zoo, and Oakland A’s Baseball
Our Activity Directors and Transportation department coordinated several picnics, a ferry ride, a visit to the Zoo, an A’s game, and shopping outings this summer.
Fun and therapeutic
Occupational Therapist Sadiva Kazi, said the outings “encourage functional walking, improved endurance, and give participants the sensory advantage of being outdoors.
“They talk and interact with other participants, working indirectly on their speech problems.”
The Activity department is part of CEI’s team approach to good health for our participants.
Food has so many cultural and emotional associations – as people age, they often have fewer opportunities to celebrate special holidays or family events over a meal. Many of our participants have outlived most friends and family members, live alone, and miss simple pleasures like a picnic in a beautiful outdoor setting.
It feels good to share this experience with them.