Council on Aging luncheon brings together African immigrant seniors

About 30 seniors from Waltham’s African immigrant community gathered May 5 at the Waltham Council on Aging for a luncheon featuring Ugandan specialties and social connection.

The event was coordinated by the Africano Senior Group, led by Jolly Kabatoro, and Council on Aging staff, including director Patrick O’Brien. “We had a great time,” he said. The gathering connected older residents with community resources while celebrating cultural traditions.

Although it was primarily a social event, organizers also used the May 5 luncheon to share information about digital literacy programs available through the Senior Center. Betsy Leutz of Waltham Connections for Healthy Aging noted that several attendees had participated in the “Welcome to the Digital Age” program this spring and encouraged others to enroll in the next session, scheduled for fall 2026.

Since 2021, the program has provided low-income seniors with free Chromebook computers, Wi-Fi access and training to help them build digital skills. Organizers said the upcoming session will place greater emphasis on smartphone use.

Leutz said additional support may come from local partners, including volunteers from The Waltham Times, who have offered to assist seniors in learning how to subscribe to and navigate the publication’s newsletter.

Outreach efforts lead to greater participation

The Council on Aging has expanded its outreach to immigrant communities through ongoing partnerships with local groups. Staff meet every two weeks with representatives from the Ugandan and Latino communities through Waltham Connections for Healthy Aging to strengthen collaboration and coordinate programming.

The May 5 luncheon followed other recent cultural events, including a February celebration marking the two-year anniversary of “Hora del Café,” a regular gathering for Latino seniors. Last year, the Council on Aging also hosted a joint luncheon for Ugandan and Latino seniors and secured a Service Incentive Grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging to support outreach efforts.

The grant has funded outreach workers, weekly group activities, individual assistance and informational sessions with partner organizations such as SHINE, Springwell, and local police and fire departments. More than 100 seniors from the two communities have participated in these programs.

“We’ve formed a close partnership with both communities,” O’Brien said. “We see more people coming to the Senior Center, bringing their friends.”

Luncheon attendees pose for a group photo. Photo by The Waltham Times.