SUN CITY (April 26, 2024) - One of the ways Banner Olive Branch Senior Center is responding to the pressing issue of senior isolation and loneliness is by offering a class about online dating that will cover the basics of finding love and friendship on the internet. The class will be held on Tuesday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Banner Olive Branch.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four individuals older than 65 are considered socially isolated. Older adults are at risk of isolation and loneliness due to living alone, loss of family and friends, chronic illness and hearing loss.
“We feel this is an important topic to address because there are many seniors [in our community] who are alone,” says Jackie Cromer of Banner Olive Branch and instructor of the upcoming online dating class. “It’s an approach to add some fun and excitement into their lives and allow seniors to feel connected and potentially even find love.”
The class will cover which dating sites to select, how to write and choose photos for your dating profile, the best ways to find and connect with potential matches, how to handle rejection, and will emphasize safety tips such as not giving personal information, meeting in a public place, transporting yourself to the date and letting loved ones know your whereabouts.
CDC data shows there aren’t just mental health risks such as anxiety or depression associated with loneliness, but physical health risks as well. Those dangers include significantly increased chances of an early death, 50% increased risk of dementia, 29% increase in the likelihood of developing heart disease and a 32% higher chance of having a stroke.
“At Banner Olive Branch, we know how important it is for seniors to have the chance to build healthy relationships both here at our center and out in the world,” said Banner Olive Branch Director Jennifer Lawless. “By offering this class, we’re not only fighting loneliness, but we’re also contributing to the overall health and well-being of our seniors, which is an important part of our mission.”
If you’re interested in this class, please call 623-465-6000 to sign up. Reservations are required.
- WHO: Banner Olive Branch Senior Center
- WHAT: Online dating how-to class
- WHERE: Banner Olive Branch Senior Center
13049 N. 103rd Ave
Sun City, AZ 85351 - WHEN: Tuesday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
About Banner Olive Branch Senior Center:
Banner Olive Branch Senior Center has been serving the Sun Cities and surrounding communities since 1988. The senior center offers a variety of social and educational programs, as well as support services, including a home-delivered meal program, daily congregate meals, health and wellness classes and a pantry program supported by donations from the community. The center is a Medicare benefits check-up site and houses a satellite office for the Arizona Attorney General. For information about Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, visit bannerhealth.com/olivebranch.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]