Seniors Program

This new Program is intended to serve the social and wellness-related needs of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia (“SFV”) Sangat members who are ‘seniors’ (55 and older). Most participants are retirees (or those free at that time) seeking to enrich their own and others’ lives through meaningful social interaction.

The Program is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for informal interaction among seniors. It seeks to encourage a healthy life style and enhance physical and mental well-being. Participants design and conduct activities on a voluntary basis, and themselves determine program content and mode of implementation. Every participant engages in a particular Program activity on a voluntary, self-selection basis.

There is no charge for participating in regularly-scheduled Program activities at the SFV premises, but there is a nominal charge for special events or field trips. SFV does not provide transportation to or from the Gurdwara premises or have qualified/certified staff to assist the seniors. Hence, participants must be able to commute to and from the Gurdwara Sahib on their own, and manage their personal care independently without assistance. All participants must register with the coordinator of the SFV Seniors Program and sign a consent form absolving SFV of any liability for engaging in any Program activity.

Currently, seniors meet every Wednesday from 9 AM to 1 PM at the SFV Gurdwara Sahib. Program activities include, on a voluntary basis, yoga/flexibility exercises under the guidance of experienced members, participating in Naam simran and Gurbani vichaar, and discussing general health issues or sharing life experiences. Some seniors use this time for learning or teaching new skills, such as conversational English. While sharing a meal (langar), participants converse about current affairs and issues relevant for seniors (e.g., aspects related to immigration, Medicare, Social security, etc.). Activities can be modified or added in response to participants’ changing interests or preferences.

All SFV seniors are welcome! For further information and the registration form, please contact the Liason for the Seniors Program (see the SFV Board’s office-bearers list), or the Program Facilitators Dr. Barinder Kaur Deu (email: barinderdeu@gmail.com, phone 703-978-2420) or Mr. Randhir Singh Chhatwal (email: randhir.chhatwal@gmail.com, phone: 978-884-8333).