While wisdom may ripen with age, the telltale signs of getting older grow increasingly evident with the deterioration of senses, the weakening of one’s physical prowess and an escalating susceptibility to bodily aches and pains. Although senior citizens’ minds may be sharper than ever, their ability to conduct what were once simple, daily tasks like driving, fixing up the house or picking up groceries, become arduous at times impossible endeavors. That’s where the locally-based senior support system, Peninsula Shepherd Center (PSC), comes in, providing essential services like transportation, home-shopping delivery and social programs for seniors ages 60 and older in Point Loma, Ocean Beach and the Midway District. “The needs of Peninsula seniors are not unlike the needs of many seniors aging in America. Seniors want to remain independent and in their own homes,” said PSC’s executive director, Jeannie Bailey. “Research shows that one of the biggest problems seniors face is isolation. Many PSC programs are developed and implemented with that in mind.” The center’s “Out and About Peninsula” senior transportation program, which is partially funded by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), offers seniors a daily van-shuttle service to local markets or a volunteer service that provides private rides to medical appointments and other essential errands with a personal volunteer. “Our ‘Out and About Peninsula’ senior transportation program not only provides a much-needed ride, but also socialization with other seniors on the van shuttle and one-on-one time with a volunteer driver,” said Bailey. Other socialization opportunities are available through PSC’s senior course offerings and gatherings, like a computer class, legal-aid services and a monthly lunch club. PSC also offers help with minor home repairs, supplies a food-delivery service for homebound seniors unable to get to the grocery store, and provides access to a resource center where seniors can find information about additional community resources available to them. The Peninsula Shepherd Center also produces a monthly newsletter, “Lamb’s Tales,” which includes an events calendar, news on new programs or offerings, and the PSC van-shuttle schedule. The local center is fashioned after the Shepherd Centers of America model, a national network of interfaith, volunteer-run organizations providing assistance, companionship and enrichment opportunities for older adults. The Peninsula Shepherd Center is located at All Souls Church at 1475 Catalina Blvd. For more information about the Peninsula Shepherd Center, including volunteer, client or donor opportunities, visit www.sdpsc.org or call (619) 223-1640.
