Additional Activities

Some people think birthdays matter less as we age, but birthday parties can be especially meaningful for seniors. Every month, GAV holds a birthday party for the residents. We provide food and fruit, host small themed games (e.g., Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween), and prepare gifts for residents celebrating their birthdays.

It’s important for the elderly to spend time outside whenever possible. Studies have shown that vitamin D, created and activated by sunlight, helps fight conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, depression and even heart attacks. Pain and stress are also reduced with exposure to natural light and fresh air. GAV organizes field trips for residents twice a year, in spring and autumn. Past destinations have included Hsi Lai Temple, the Wayfarers Chapel, the Arboretum, Santa Monica Pier, the Huntington Library and Griffith Observatory.

Although life overseas has changed our Chinese immigrant community in many ways, the importance of the traditional festivals in our Chinese elders’ lives has not faded. GAV invites local dignitaries, singers, and dancers to celebrate the Chinese traditional festivals with our residents every year. We provide delicious food and excellent performances to all our residents and guests.

Older adults are especially likely to get dangerously ill from the flu. While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease. GAV requests a pharmacist from Rite Aid to provide free flu shots every year in September.