Conversations for All
Active Older Adult (AOA) Community Cafés bring together those who are 55 and older to build health in spirit, mind, and body so that we thrive with greater purpose, connection, and well-being. Each café includes time for a resource person to share, pose, and answer questions in a discussion space facilitated for support and encouragement. Let your emotional and intellectual responses guide your exploration of each chosen topic.
AOA Community Cafés are free and brought to you by the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs. We encourage you to invite your friends and family!
Connect and Share
Each café is an hour-long Zoom call starting with a large group welcome time. We will explore the day’s topic through an engaging presentation to get you thinking and prepared for a 20-minute reflective dialogue in small groups about the subject. Everyone is invited to listen and contribute as they feel comfortable. The large group gathers back the last five minutes for encouragement.
Fall Prevention Resources in YMCA360®
The first week of fall reminds us to think about preventing falls. YMCA360® offers exercises that increase balance and decrease fall risk.
Tuesday, September 24
1:00–2:00 pm
Register here >>
Civility in Election Season - Part 1
Experience constructive and respectful dialogue led by trained facilitators to increase understanding as we embark upon this election season. Listen to one another and share your values and formative stories that influence your political views.
Tuesday, October 1
1:00–2:00 pm
Register here >>
Civility in Election Season - Part 2
Discover what matters most to each of us this election season: the hopes and fears, values, and stories behind them. The conversation will be constructive and positive.
Tuesday, October 8
1:00–2:00 pm
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Self-Care Strategies for Everyone
Whether you're caring for someone else or simply yourself, we all need some form of self-care. Learn some practical and effective strategies for wellness and relaxation that you can do every day.
Tuesday, October 15
1:00–2:00 pm
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Embracing Your Peaceful Exit
Explore questions that uncover what you need to do to plan for a peaceful exit, which is the greatest gift you can give to those you love. Learn the importance of your narrative around loss and death and ensure that your final wishes are protected.
Tuesday, October 22
1:00–2:00 pm
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Halloween Myths and Legends
Learn the origins of Halloween, based on the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a candy shake-down as tiny goblins, witches, superheroes, and princesses roam the streets, knocking on doors. We’ll take a fun look at its history and the traditions of today.
Tuesday, October 29
1:00–2:00 pm
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Many of us are or will soon be taking on the role of Caregiver. Caregivers often become so busy with caretaking tasks that they neglect their mental and physical health. Learn about a program that helps caregivers take care of themselves.
Tuesday, November 5
1:00–2:00 pm
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Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? - Part 1
Reexamine aging as a liberating experience that enables us to become the person we were always meant to be. As we age, we no longer ask, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" but rather, "Who do I want to be when I grow old?" Everyone is getting old, but not everyone is growing old.
Tuesday, November 12
1:00–2:00 pm
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Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? - Part 2
Explore your sense of purpose and examine your values that match life now. Consider how to stop living a default life that may have served you well but may not fully resonate for you now. Find what works for you now and move forward.
Tuesday, November 19
1:00–2:00 pm
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Around the Thanksgiving Table
Spark interesting and fun conversation at your Thanksgiving table! Enjoy an appetizer of gratitude and blessings, a main dish of curious questions, and a dessert of trivia.
Tuesday, November 26
1:00–2:00 pm
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Fourteen Small Tips for Better Sleep
Learn how a series of small decisions you make throughout the day can dramatically increase the quality of your sleep at night. Find out what these micro-habits are and how they profoundly affect your sleep.
Tuesday, December 3
1:00–2:00 pm
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Understanding Loneliness and How to Stay Connected
Loneliness and social isolation are critical to a person's health and well-being. Learn ways to stay connected and ward off the risks of isolation.
Tuesday, December 10
1:00–2:00 pm
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Holiday Line Dancing
Catchy tunes and simple steps combine in a fun way to move that doesn’t feel like exercise! All are invited to learn some line dances while letting holiday tunes carry you through this busy time of year.
Tuesday, December 17
1:00–2:00 pm
Register here >>
Questions
If you have questions about our Community Café conversations, please email Heather Steele at hsteele@seattleymca.org.
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Branches Are Now Open!
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