Spotlight on IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services

Approaching the entrance to the IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services, we were struck by the vibrant music escaping the building. The energy inside matched the loud, exciting music. Older adults were dancing and connecting with one another, enjoying the lively atmosphere while they waited for the lunch hour to start.

We (Age Friendly Seattle interns) visited the center to interact with older adults and explore how their programs promote social connectivity in their daily lives. This topic is particularly critical because among older adults, social isolation is a common concern, as factors like retirement, mobility issues, and the loss of loved ones can reduce opportunities for meaningful engagement. Social isolation refers to the lack of social connections or regular interactions with others, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

The senior congregate meals at IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services play a crucial role in combating social isolation by providing a regular welcoming environment where older adults can come together, share meals, and engage in conversations.

Dancing is part of what makes the IDIC a vibrant hub of community and connection.

The IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services center is more than just a place for older people to gather—it’s a vibrant hub of community and connection. One of the main ways the center fosters this sense of belonging is through its congregate meal program. These meals bring together older adults for delicious, nutritious food and provide a space for social interaction and cultural celebration. For many, these meals are an essential part of their day, offering not only sustenance but also companionship, joy, and a deep sense of community rooted in Filipino culture.

The scene inside perfectly illustrated this sense of community. IDIC Executive Director Lanvin Andres welcomed us with open arms and invited us to dance, eat, and chat with the community members. He shared that their typical days include Zumba in the morning, followed by dancing, lunch, bingo, and more dancing in the afternoon. Their level of physical activity is especially notable, considering the average age of an IDIC attendee is 82 years old.

After we interns tried to keep up with the elders on the dance floor, lunch was served, and we spoke with the older adults at each lunch table about their personal experiences with the IDIC and how the meal program supports their social connections.

In these conversations, the underlying theme was that IDIC’s meal program was more than just a place to gather for mealtime; it was often referred to as their “second home,” where they could meet with friends and enjoy cultural food. The lunch area was filled with laughter, smiles, and a vibrant sense of connection throughout the room. Most attendees reported attending the IDIC multiple times each week, especially on the days where they have programs. Line dancing, Zumba, bingo, and lunch were some of their favorite activities.

Each attendee we spoke with indicated that the IDIC is a space to form friendships and reduce feelings of loneliness. One woman, who has been visiting the IDIC since 1979, said the IDIC allows her to feel significantly less stressed. Another elder added that she attends the IDIC events because she “wants to be happy and enjoy the rest of [her] life.” Connection with her community and participating in these programs allows her to do so.

As we sat down with one of the elders at the center, his eyes lit up with the kind of joy that only comes from cherished moments. It was clear just how much the congregate mealtime meant to him. He explained that attending these meals was not just a routine but a meaningful part of his day that brought him joy and purpose. He emphasized that these gatherings had significantly improved the quality of his life and gave him something to look forward to each week, making him feel more engaged and less isolated. This sentiment was echoed by many others, who all saw the mealtime as a critical part of their lives.

Andres says the IDIC is an important social space for older adults where he watches them “become kids again.” He notes that in Filipino culture, elders often do not fully express themselves in their home, making the IDIC an important space to relax and enjoy the company of people in their same age range. Andres also mentioned that during the COVID pandemic, they lost five regulars, and not due to the virus itself. He reported sudden cases of dementia and other illnesses among these regulars, likely related to social isolation.

These gatherings are especially important because they celebrate Filipino culture, allowing seniors to connect with their cultural heritage through traditional foods, language, and customs. By offering a space that honors their cultural identity, these meals reinforce a sense of belonging and pride in one’s heritage, significantly enhancing the well-being of the older adults.

We would like to extend our heartfelt “thank you” to the IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services for welcoming us so warmly into their community. Experiencing the lively atmosphere, the joy, and the connections shared by the elders was truly inspiring. We are grateful for the opportunity to dance, dine, and engage in conversations with the attendees, and for the insights provided by Lanvin Andres and the dedicated staff.

Thank you for showing us the profound impact of community, culture, and connection!

If you are interested in learning more about the IDIC and its programs, visit their website or join them in person at 7301 Beacon Ave. South, Monday through Friday. For other ways to foster social connection, we encourage you to check out Seattle community centers, senior centers, and King County Senior Hubs to find community near you.

Contributor Fathima Garcia was an intern with Age Friendly Seattle. She is studying Human Resources Management at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.

In the photo at the top, Fathima and Niko Manjares (left), Age Friendly Seattle’s Community Outreach & Program Support Specialist intern, join a group of new friends at the IDIC.