“2026 Seniors’ Joy Program (Phase 1)” — Sixth Activity Brief

By Jennifer Zhang

On February 21 at 2 p.m., the first “Happy Seniors” event after the Spring Festival was held as scheduled. Nurse Practitioner Wang Qiong delivered a medical lecture on sleep titled “Management of Insomnia in the Elderly.”

Insomnia is highly prevalent among older adults. It not only disrupts their daily lives but also affects their overall health. From a professional perspective, Ms. Wang began by explaining the fundamentals of sleep, emphasizing that sleep, like air, water, and food, is one of our basic needs in daily life. Therefore, seniors are encouraged to maintain 7–8 hours of sleep each day whenever possible.

She then introduced the definition of insomnia and outlined both external and internal factors that may lead to sleep problems in older adults. External factors include major life events, medications, diets, lack of exercise, and social engagement. Internal factors may involve sleep apnea, pain, frequent urination at night, and hormonal changes. Ms. Wang pointed out that physiological changes in various organs and systems during aging can significantly affect sleep quality and lead to insomnia.

Next, she elaborated on the health risks associated with insomnia in the elderly, including weaken immune system and an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic pain, and mental health disorders.

In the final part of her lecture, Ms. Wang focused on practical treatment approaches. She highlighted the importance of developing healthy sleep habits to improve sleep quality and fall asleep more quickly, reducing the intake of coffee and tea, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in appropriate physical exercise, managing stress and emotions, and using medications properly when necessary. She also introduced music therapy as a supportive method.

In addition, Ms. Wang recommended a sleep assessment and support app, called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). She assisted the seniors in downloading the app and patiently guided them step by step on how to use it. The hands-on guidance was warmly welcomed. Since many attendees have been troubled by insomnia to varying degrees, they listened attentively and actively consulted Ms. Wang after the lecture about specific ways to improve their sleep. The atmosphere was lively and engaging.

After the lecture, adult volunteers from the Chinese American Community Health Services (CACHS), along with youth volunteers from the Capital Youth Outreach Club, served delicious and healthy afternoon tea to the seniors. They enjoyed tea and snacks while chatting happily with one another.

Following the tea break, community dance instructor Ms. Yinhuan led everyone in a senior dance session. Whether standing or seating, the seniors moved joyfully to lively music such as “Little Apple.” Within just three hours, the event successfully combined both learning and exercise in a dynamic yet relaxing way.

Bringing health as a New Year’s gift has become a popular trend, and “Happy Seniors”program not only delivered valuable health knowledge but also brought happiness and warmth to the seniors.