Siouxland Center for Active Generations Celebrates Mardi Gras with Special Lunch
On March 4, 2025, the Siouxland Center for Active Generations hosted a lively Mardi Gras lunch and party, offering community members the chance to celebrate the festive occasion with traditional food and activities. The event featured classic Cajun dishes, including red beans and rice, jambalaya, and the signature dessert, king cake. This gathering was not just about the food; it was also about fostering social connections among older adults.
Activities Coordinator Kristina Yezdimer expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Great activities here at the Siouxland Center for Active Generations have things for older adults to come out and socialize and be together, make friends and do great activities here at the center." Indeed, with various activities planned throughout the day, attendees were treated to both culinary delights and engaging entertainment.
The celebration culminated with a jukebox party where participants donned festive Mardi Gras masks and beads, embracing the lively spirit of the New Orleans tradition. This event exemplifies the center's commitment to active engagement and connection among seniors, providing them with opportunities to socialize and enjoy shared experiences.
Emphasizing the significance of community and lifelong learning, Siouxland Center for Active Generations collaborates with Augustana University to promote positive aging. On the horizon, the partnership will kick off with the inaugural 2025 Lifelong Learning Program led by Dr. Lucas Hamilton, Augustana University’s assistant professor of psychology.
Dr. Hamilton, who also serves as the director of the aging studies program, will present TED Talk-style sessions focused on well-being, music, and brain health, beginning this April. The initiative aims to enrich the lives of seniors and assist them in learning new skills, proving beneficial not just for the attendees but for the university students involved as well. Hamilton expressed, "While I get to volunteer and provide some lifelong learning opportunities for these individuals, my goal is to also engage Augustana students with community members."
Active Generations, which has been serving the Sioux Falls community since 1968, provides various programs, including fitness centers, social clubs, and organized activities, making it one of the vibrant community hubs catering to adults aged 18 and older. Betsy Schuster, president and CEO of Active Generations, noted, "There is a misperception [that] Active Generations is only for a defined age, but we’re all aging, so it’s really about how we can create this community of learning regardless of age." This statement highlights the organization’s commitment not only to active seniors but also to fostering intergenerational connections.
The upcoming Lifelong Learning Program includes sessions such as "Well-Being as the New Cornerstone of Health" scheduled for April, focusing on holistic health approaches; "Music & the Mind" planned for May, discussing the emotional impacts and connections through music; and "Brain Health 101" set for June, which will cover basic neuroanatomy and practical tips for maintaining brain health.
This partnership reflects both organizations' dedication to positive aging solutions through educational programming and community engagement. With events like the Mardi Gras lunch and the Lifelong Learning Program, Active Generations and Augustana University are working to create lasting positive interactions and opportunities, encouraging active participation and learning among seniors.
Active Generations also coordinates significant community efforts, including providing 24,000 meals per month to seniors through its Meals on Wheels program. The organization recently expanded, opening its second campus on the east side of Sioux Falls in October 2023 near Dawley Farm Village. Schuster commented on the thriving membership aspect, noting, "Active Generations is a vibrant community hub for any adult looking for connection and activity."
To learn more about the Lifelong Learning Program and view the full schedule of events, visit augie.edu/LifelongLearning. For information on the aging studies minor and additional initiatives by Augustana University, please visit augie.edu/AgingStudies.