The Christian Science Monitor Spotlights Open Door Senior Center’s Offerings

On October 8th, The Christian Science Monitor featured CPC Open Door Senior Center and highlighted its adaptive programming that meets the diverse interests of our members aged 60 to 100. The reporter interviewed several community members and Po-Ling Ng, CPC Associate Executive Director and Open Door Senior Center Director, who emphasized the center’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment that encourages social interaction. Members enjoy a variety of activities, including mah-jongg, pingpong, Chinese opera performances, dance classes, and cultural outings to explore nearby cities.

Po-Ling Ng, Open Door’s director, says older members are likely to enjoy Chinese cultural pursuits, including games like mah-jongg. Younger ones want other activities – such as American and Latin American dance, and trips to cities like Washington – thrown in. Food is a unifying force, and a hot lunch is served each day for 50 cents. Everyone enjoys meals like Shaoxing curry chicken balls and bean and cauliflower with sliced pork.

Ms. Ng has lived in the United States since her 20s and is now in her early 80s. She believes the key to a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age, is staying engaged with the world around you.

“I said to the seniors, if you want to improve your life, you should keep learning: learning by doing, doing by learning,” she says.

Press Coverage: The Christian Science Monitor