HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-26; Senior Commission; 02; Department Report on Senior Activities and Programs
Meeting Date: June 26, 2025
To: Senior Commission
From: Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager
Staff Contact: Eric Biggin, Recreation Area Manager
eric.biggin@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2648
Subject: Department Report on Senior Activities and Programs
Recommended Action
Receive a report on recently completed and upcoming Adults 50+ activities, donations and
grants, as well as other topics of interest.
Executive Summary
Recreation Area Manager Eric Biggin and Recreation Supervisor II Andi Koller will report on
recently completed and upcoming senior activities, donations and grants, as well as other topics
of interest.
Exhibits
1. Department Report on Senior Activities and Programs
SENIOR COMM,ISS I ON
Staff Report
\
Exhibit 1
ADULTS 50+ ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT REPORT
June 26, 2025
GENERAL
Commission Work Plan Goal 1: Determine the needs of adults 50+
• Regenerative specialist Dr. Scott SeBastion gave a presentation on June 9, 2025, covering the
causes of arthritis and techniques for pain relief.
• Ask the Real Estate Agent, a new free consultation program launched June 16, 2025, offering 30-
minute sessions with an expert on buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
• The Art of Letting Go series began on June 20, 2025. This monthly event features a variety of guest
speakers offering guidance on moving into senior living and navigating life’s next chapter.
Commission Work Plan Goal 2: Support the Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan
• Library and Cultural Arts hosted a video game workshop at the Carlsbad Senior Center on May 9,
2025, as part of an artist residency program.
• On May 20, 2025, the Successful Aging in Place series provided information on Medicare benefits
for those facing terminal illness, followed by a June 17, 2025 session highlighting lifestyle habits
that support healthy aging.
Commission Work Plan Goal 3: Create Adult 50+ opportunities & collaborations beyond Senior Center
• Seniors visited Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum on May 15, 2025, for an engaging outing that
paired wine tasting with vintage cars.
• On June 7, 2025, the Senior Center partnered with Kids for Peace for a joyful intergenerational
Garden Celebration, where youth and seniors connected through rock painting, dancing, and
shared celebration of kindness.
• On June 19, 2025, seniors enjoyed a docent-led tour of the Museum of Making Music, exploring
the evolution of musical instruments and industry pioneers.
Commission Work Plan Goal 4: Increase social inclusion, enhance connectivity & minimize isolation
• Creative Cuisine events included a Cinco de Mayo-themed cooking class on April 24, 2025, and a
sushi-making workshop on May 19, 2025.
• The Courtyard Concert series featured classical jazz by Gunnar and Zo on May 12, 2025, followed
by acoustic rock and blues by Ken Sprinkle on June 9, 2025.
• The Seaside Singers performed a spring concert on May 14 and 15, 2025, with music from the
1930s through the 1970s.
• Summer Games returned on June 20, 2025, with activities including shuffleboard, cornhole, and
large-scale connect four.
• The Senior Center hosted its second annual Ping Pong Olympics on June 25, 2025, with an
international potluck followed by a friendly competition. The Ceramics Club also crafted custom
medals for the awards ceremony.
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND
• Senior Center Special Revenue Fund budget/donations review
Current fund balance – $330,991.17
{'city of
Carlsbad
Parks & Recreation
April 15, 2025 – June 15, 2025
o DONATIONS: None to report
o MISC REVENUE: $3,737.80 – Consists of Fitness Center drop-in fees and memberships
o EXPENDITURES: $3,183.00 – Includes costs to host three Concerts in the Courtyard,
garden club supplies and maintenance, and volunteer appreciation event.
SENIOR OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
• For fiscal year 2024–25, Senior Opportunity Grants were provided to 11 applicants, totaling
$3,300. A remaining balance of $1,700 is available for future applicants. These grants support
participation in programs and classes that enhance the well-being, engagement and service of the
senior community.
STATISTICAL REPORTS
• Surveys for the nutrition program were conducted in May 2025 to gather feedback on the
congregate lunch program and assess community response to the recent transition to Meals on
Wheels. Twenty surveys were completed.
• Congregate Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
o 76% rated the quality of meals positively (3.8/5)
o 96% were satisfied with the cleanliness of the dining room and facilities (4.8/5)
o 78% felt the suggested contribution of $3.50 was reasonable (3.9/5)
o 76% reported increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and/or whole grains (3.8/5)
o 92% felt a greater sense of connection through interactions with staff, volunteers, and/or
other participants (4.6/5)
o Favorite menu items include meatloaf, fish, and mashed potatoes
o Several compliments for Wednesday’s volunteer musician, Woodbridge Willy
o Written constructive feedback regarding congregate lunch included comments about
overcooked vegetables, undercooked rice, and preferring butter instead of margarine
0
500
1000
1500
Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25
Me
a
l
s
S
e
r
v
e
d
Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25
Congregate Meals 1029 1101 1117 1161 1181 1078
Home-Delivered Meals 1003 1078 924 1012 1030 1013
Nutrition
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■ I I
• Program surveys are conducted regularly to align offerings with community interest and demand.
A targeted survey in May 2025 gathered input from 51 community members to guide upcoming
excursions.
• Senior Excursion Survey Results
o 75% of respondents prefer to purchase their own meals in exchange for lower overall
excursion costs. Excursions have been adjusted to accommodate this preference.
o 38% of respondents are comfortable paying $20–$40 for excursions
o 23% expressed interest in bowling, which has been scheduled in July 2025 for $20
o 50% expressed interest in the Del Mar Racetrack, which has been scheduled in August
2025 for $40
0
100
200
300
400
Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25
1-
Wa
y
R
i
d
e
s
Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25
1-Way Rides 288 380 290 300 246 290
Transportation
3200
3400
3600
3800
4000
4200
4400
4600
Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25
At
t
e
n
d
a
n
c
e
Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25
Class Attendance 3700 4000 3950 4050 4385 4030
Classes & Programs
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