LEFT AND MIDDLE : JO ANN EKBLAD ; RIGHT : JEFF ROVNER

SHOWING SUPPORT There are a number of different gatherings available through the Susi Q Senior Center , all of them complimentary , from chronic illness support groups and Women Supporting Women to Death Cafe , a virtual monthly discussion about participants ’ feelings on mortality . In addition , locals can take advantage of legal clinics , a grief and loss series , Medicare information sessions , one-on-one counseling for mental health , hearing screenings and more . There is also a care management department that helps individuals process their situation and presents them with resources . “ Participants seek information and linkage to services for care giving , affordable housing , unmet medical and health needs , financial assistance and home safety ,” notes Nadia Babayi , executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors .

ALL ABOUT THE ART Art and creativity is an essential part of the Susi Q ’ s programming — the center even has its own exhibit space . Named Gallery Q , the space provides opportunities for selfexpression and artistic creation , offering a chance for older adults to get involved . Now in its 15th year , Gallery Q typically puts on five shows a year from emerging and professional artists . “ Seniors ’ lives are impacted through direct involvement with the arts , resulting in enhancement in health , interpersonal skills and cognitive [ or ] psychological behaviors ,” Babayi explains . “ Engaging in creative activity or simply attending artistic events is stimulating while lowering stress and improving physical health . Arts engagement widens and strengthens social bonds , [ too ,] which also improve [ s ] health .”

TEMPTING TITLES One of the Susi Q ’ s newest programs is the Evening With an Author series , which launched last spring . Held three times per year , the early evening sessions feature discussions with Southern California writers about their bestselling books . Open to attendees of all ages , this year ’ s series started in February with a talk from Héctor Tobar , author of “ Our Migrant Souls ,” which touches on what it means to be a modern Latino . On June 3 , novelist Michelle Huneven will be in conversation about her latest story , “ Search ,” a fictional memoir of a food critic , and her other titles . The final event will be held Oct . 7 with Jonathan Lethem . “ This program … helps expand the literary horizons for many people ,” Babayi says . “… Research shows that reading helps to build our ability to focus and grasp complex ideas . It also strengthens our ability to remember details and think through complex problems , which benefits everyone — and especially older adults .” g

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 27