Our guest speakers from the YMCA Seniors Program and Corporate Memberships were Andi Skorheim and Kim Freeman. They commented that the Y has been associated with Snohomish County for the past 125 years. There are more than 100 programs for Seniors at the Y and more than 8,000 seniors served with programs for health and community at each branch.
They commented that 10,000 people per day turn 65 with 25% being socially isolated. 22-47% lonely and social isolation leads to 50% higher dementia risk and 29% higher heart disease. The Y's goal is to empower seniors to meet their potential through health and wellness, community connection, lifelong learning and service to others.
They have partnered with Community Transit where the seniors will attend a program and than they can go on an outing on the buses. Most times senior medical insurance will cover the cost of their membership.
Andi shared that many businesses offer subsidized memberships to the Y. They have a variety of programs for this and encouraged anyone interested to contact her at the Main Snohomish County Branch in Everett.