Community & Public Health

The OBSERVER sat down with two local advocates who have worked to reduce gun violence in Sacramento and around the country for years. They discuss who tends to be the victims of gun violence, why guns are now more available to young people, and what can be done about it.

Race and Equity

At the Moreno Valley Senior Center in Riverside county, California, up to 250 seniors are served on any given day. The food is just one draw. Seniors attend the lunch program for regular companionship, which helps to stave off loneliness and a sense of social isolation.

Aging

With a growing elderly population and a critical shortage of caregivers, the Chinese community is moving away from traditional expectations of caregiving, especially as adult children live lives away from parents. Chinese seniors often struggle to find caregivers who can speak the language and attend to their needs. As a result, undocumented Chinese workers are increasingly entering the workforce to address the shortage of caregivers for older Chinese adults.

Aging

Frank Lanterman became the most consequential legislators of his time by leading the effort to transform how California cares for people with severe mental illness.

Housing and Homeslessness

After being displaced by a fire, elderly Asian residents feel depressed and isolated as they struggle to access basic necessities in their temporary accommodation far from familiar surroundings. Alerted to their situation by a Red Cross first responder, local community organizations intervene to bridge gaps in direct services, creating a model for rapid response in the event of an emergency that jeopardizes the well-being of underserved Asian seniors in the Bay Area.

Aging

A legal case filed by a Korean-American woman against her company for wrongful termination after advocating against ageist language used by her coworkers reflected cultural attitudes and negative perceptions of older people in the work environment at some Korean companies. Experts emphasize the detrimental effects of age discrimination on mental health, causing feelings of inadequacy and identity loss.

Aging

Dance can be a highly beneficial form of exercise for seniors with pre-existing health conditions. It offers a low-impact, enjoyable way to improve physical fitness and overall well-being through improved cardiovascular health, enhanced balance and coordination, increased flexibility, boosted mood and cognitive function, and weight management. For Bay Area native Joseph “Smokin’ Joe” Guillory, line dancing is a mental, physical and spiritual experience. “It all works together,” Guillory says. “It helps the body and the mind.”

Aging