Seniors Celebrate Cultural Connections

A Victorian-first Multicultural Wellness Centre (MWC) in Melbourne’s east is connecting seniors and combating social isolation. The MWC, run by non-profit organisation Villa Maria Catholic Homes, in Wantirna South has gone from strength to strength since it opened in 2016. It was the first Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)-specific, integrated, aged-focused wellness centre in the state.

Every day of the week, multiculturalism is celebrated and seniors from Chinese, Filipino and Sri Lankan backgrounds solidify connections to their cultural roots.

On February 5, the centre’s most popular group, for Chinese seniors, will be a hub of activity as they ring in the Chinese New Year.

Creating and hanging decorations, undertaking traditional customs and joining for the annual ‘Reunion Lunch’ are all part of the festivities.

Australian Institute for Health and Welfare data shows nearly one third of all Victorians over 65 years are from a CALD background.

COTA Victoria also reports the risk of loneliness in old age is higher among migrant and refugee populations.

MWC Coordinator Rani Wong agreed. She said celebrating Chinese New Year was sometimes challenging for older migrants.

“The festival is not celebrated here the way it would have been in their country of birth. For seniors, every festival will remind them their own town and own home overseas. We hope our social groups help them to connect to their own cultural events and make them feel part of the ‘big family’ we’ve created at the MCW.”

Michael Liu and his wife Ann have been MWC members for three years. Michael said he’s made many friends and enjoys the excises classes, especially Tai Chi. “The group is very good – it gives Chinese people a social life and we can get help if we need it.”

Recently, Ann became ill and Rani referred Michael to the VMCH Carer Support Program for help.

“She can’t do the housework or cooking so the program is helping us with that – I’m very appreciative,” Michael said.

Rani said due to language barriers and limited mobility, most of the seniors attending the group were “house bound”.

“Hence, it is so important for older people from CALD backgrounds to connect into the community they are familiar and comfortable with and to be connected to age services as they require.”

For more information on the VMCH MWC, call (03) 9800 7255.

Find out more about Villa Maria Catholic Homes.