Twenty-two-year-old Nova Plascencia didn’t even need to watch what she was doing as she skillfully wound white, then purple, yarn around her crochet hook. Instead, she kept her eyes on Cherie, a resident of the Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) center in Reseda, who was carefully following Nova’s instructions for the beginning chain stitch.
Members of “In the Loop,” CSUN’s knitting and crochet club, met up with fellow crafters at the senior care home on a recent Tuesday afternoon. Conversations flowed between the students and the residents over a large table strewn with brightly colored balls of yarn. The students taught basic stitches so participants could create “granny squares,” which can be put together to make other crafts, such as a tote bag or blanket.
Staff from CSUN’s Office of Community Engagement were also on hand to help out. They organized the outing, as part of community service events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day — the event was re-scheduled because of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Plascencia, the club’s treasurer, has been crocheting for five years. She said she began volunteering with senior citizens while in high school.
“It’s really fun,” she said. “I never really experienced older people before, they’re so sweet and easy to talk to.”
Relaxing and enjoying the social engagement are just a few of the documented benefits of gatherings like these. Studies also show interactions between the generations can reduce anxiety and depression and slow cognitive decline. These and many other benefits have prompted organizations to encourage more structured programs to foster these relationships.
Julie Lockman-Gold is the special programs coordinator at LAJH. She said CSUN has been a long-time source of inter-generational activities and partnerships.
“This is like medicine for the residents,” Lockman-Gold said. “When you sit down for events like this, organic conversation just comes up naturally and it’s so nice to see the ebb and flow,” she explained.
For some, the gathering was an introduction to a new hobby. Others had more experience with crochet. Everyone had a good time. There were oohs and aahs and applause for one resident who finished a long, thin scarf, which she draped around her neck. At the end of the hour-long visit, many noted how quickly the time flew.
“We have to quit now?” Cherie said.
Club members handed out printed crochet directions, along with yarn and hooks, so everyone could continue their projects.
“I’m hoping we can come back,” Plascencia said, complimenting her new friends. “They’re really lovely.”
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