Members of the “Single Seniors” group share a laugh during their weekly card game at the Vancouver Mall. The group tries to plan an activity every day if possible.
Cards seemly didn’t offer quite enough entertainment for one member. He also played scrabble on his iPhone.
A group of senior citizens were spotted sharing a laugh over lunch at the Vancouver Mall last week. Afterward, they played rummy.
The same group — or some variation of it — is scheduled to see movies, visit local eateries, play pool, and picnic at Frenchman’s Bar this summer.
The “Single Seniors,” as they’re known, try to plan an activity every day, in fact.
Almost 25 years ago, the group was formed in Clark County to help combat loneliness and sedentary lifestyles. Ages generally range from 60 to 90 now. The oldest member of the group, Bill Hack, is in his early 90s and still hosts gatherings at his home.
The group’s primary goal is to provide single seniors in the area with a supportive and active community through activities that will accommodate a broad range of abilities and backgrounds, while still being affordable.
“We try to do things in a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere,” said Ted Hook, a member of the group for the last 12 years.
There are a lot of activities available for seniors, Hook explained, but most of them are tailored toward couples. The appeal and importance of the group are based around giving single seniors options too.
How they function
Although the title of the group might suggest otherwise, the group does not function as a dating resource. While that may be the case, over the last quarter century multiple members have ended up getting married and, in a few cases, becoming single again and returning to the group.
Their concept is simple but successful.
They have over 80 members who join in on different activities at different times. They held a potluck over the weekend before speaking with The Reflector and more than 42 members showed up. Tana Hart, secretary of the group and a member since its first year in 1993, said that's a lot.
In the early days, the group would often go dancing and sometimes camp together. Their favorite spots for dancing was “The Crossing” in downtown Vancouver or sometimes they would venture into Portland. Now, with many of longstanding members further along in years and an overlying reluctance toward the traffic-laden streets across the Columbia River, they generally plan their activities in the Clark County area.
A relatively unique concept
Families of a few new members have at times been reluctant to have their elderly relatives join in, not fully understanding the group’s goal.
They’ve had families come along to check out what exactly the group is all about. On one occasion, Hart recalls, members of the group all signed a letter explaining that a family could trust them with their elderly relative.
Although relatively simple, members of the group said the concept is somewhat unique. One member recently traveled to Dallas, Texas, where they’re originally from and looked for a similar group in the area, but to no avail.
And locally, Hook said many similar groups have ceased to exist in recent years. He cites the many growing allures offered at home through technology as the main reason why he’s seen more seniors opting to stay home in recent years.
“People get value from getting out of their house,” he said. “At our age, if we don’t get out, we become hermits.”
“It’s unique,” Hook later said while working his way through a 6-inch sub just minutes before cards hit the table. “It gives people something to be a part of.”
Why they come and why they stay
Will Sickle — whose actual name is Bill but the group had too many Bills when he joined seven years ago so they call him Will — serves as president and in a less formal manner, the comedic relief for the group.
He introduces himself as George Washington, suggested they rename the group “Senior Moments” and said he just shows up to “get a life.”
Like Sickle, the rest of the group is quick to laugh or crack a joke about themselves or seniors. And their camaraderie is not lost on them.
When asked what has kept her so involved for almost 25 years, Hart gave one word: “Friendship.”
Sickle offered a similar sentiment.
“We get together and it makes your day,” he said.
If you go
Call 360-718-6029 for more details.
