When minister and noted mathematician Jacqueline Brannon-Giles lost her son Karume Kanyama Giles to an illness, she was beside herself.
“Karume had serious, serious health issues his entire life, but that did not make his transition any less surprising or any less painful,” said Brannon-Giles, who teaches mathematics at both Texas Southern University and Houston Community College. “I’ve always prided myself on being a strong Black woman, grounded in the Lord. And on the outside, that is the face I put on for the world. But on the inside, I was hurting.”
Power of connection
Recent research shared by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that among older adults, there is a positive correlation between levels of social engagement and cognitive function. When you are active in socially oriented, cognitive-demanding activities such as chess, bridge, board games, and crafts, you tend to have improved concentration, working memory, and executive reasoning skills.
Brannon-Giles said she had an established support system to help her through that trying period.
“As an active member of SHAPE Community Center’s Elder Institute of Wisdom (EIW), I had a network of loving relationships, friends who were there for me even when I wasn’t sure I could be there for myself. That, and the Lord, is what got me through.”
Brannon-Giles credits the weekly meetings, discussions, and exercise activities of the EIW for helping her remain focused on the life she continued to live instead of losing it to grief.
The National Institute on Aging’s research discovered similar realities. The NIA’s research shows a correlation between seniors’ social interaction and overall health and well-being. Along with exercise and diet, social connections are key factors for optimal health and can dramatically impact overall wellness. These emotional bonds can inspire better life choices (being physically active, eating healthy foods, ceasing poor health habits such as smoking, etc.) and provide life-enhancing results (i.e., lessening chronic pain and helping injury recovery).
Ways to get or stay active
For many older adults, losing a longtime partner can feel like the end of the road regarding companionship or romance. But across Houston, Black and Brown seniors are proving that life — and love — is far from over after 60.
Whether through civic engagement, cultural events, or good old-fashioned dancing, seniors in the Bayou City are stepping out again, rekindling friendships, sparking new flames, and rejoining the social rhythm of life.
During the 30th annual Senior Holiday Luncheon in 2023 — a sold-out celebration hosted by Harris County Precinct One — local leaders paid tribute to the vitality and contributions of older residents.
“We’ve got a great crowd… It’s a way to honor our seniors. They really do so much,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis. “They are people who are active in our community centers throughout the year. This is a chance for them to relax.”
And relax, they did — with live music, dancing, and beaming smiles that showed just how much joy still exists in the lives of older Houstonians.
“A lot of these seniors work really, really hard to ensure our community is what it is,” added Greg Norwood of Precinct One. “And to celebrate them in this way is really, really cool and to see them having such a great time.”
From mourning to moving forward
For many, the journey after losing a spouse is deeply personal and painful — but not without hope.
Civic activist Cynthia Pharms understands both the struggle and the power of connection. As president of the Precinct 239 Neighborhood Civic Association and vice president of Super Neighborhood Council 72, she has made it her mission to create opportunities for seniors to reconnect.
“Precinct 239 and Super Neighborhood 72 keep the South Park community connected to help fight for neighborhood issues,” Pharms said. “We fight to keep our neighborhoods clean and revitalized. We are now fighting for our new Edgewood Park Community Center, which is now approved to be built within the next two years.”
But Pharms’ advocacy doesn’t stop with infrastructure — it extends into the heart of the community. Her organizations host holiday fellowships and social events for seniors to gather and make new memories.
“Seniors can find connection in common causes,” she said. “When we work together to uplift our neighborhoods, we also uplift each other.”
Where to find connection in Houston
Houston offers vibrant pathways to reengage, whether you’re newly widowed, divorced, or just feeling the weight of isolation.
Here’s a short guide to help Black and Brown seniors (60+) get back in the game — socially, emotionally, even romantically:
Local organizations that care
- S.H.A.P.E. Community Center (Third Ward): Offers intergenerational events and programs that unite elders in community.
➤ www.shape.org - MECA Houston: Artistic, multicultural events in the heart of Houston — music, dance, and community all rolled into one.
➤ www.meca-houston.org - BakerRipley Senior Centers: Enjoy line dancing, game nights, and community celebrations designed with seniors in mind.
➤ www.bakerripley.org - City of Houston – Area Agency on Aging: Access meal programs, wellness events, and senior-focused day trips.
➤ www.houstontx.gov/aging
Get moving, stay social
- Try beginner bike rides with Black Girls Do Bike – Houston or the Major Taylor Cycling Club. These groups promote fun and fitness, no matter your age.
Connect through creativity
- You can attend art and craft classes at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, Project Row Houses, or Art League Houston.
Hit the dance floor
- Senior social nights are alive and well in Third Ward community centers, local VFW halls, and Black churches. Think old-school R&B, line dancing, and potluck-style meals.
Get literary
- You can join a book club, genealogy circle, or oral storytelling group at the African American Library at Gregory School or your nearest Houston Public Library.
Faith-based fellowship
- Bible studies, choir rehearsals, and service ministries often blossom into lifelong friendships — and sometimes love.
Try love, the digital way (cautiously)
- Platforms like OurTime, BLK, or SilverSingles cater to mature adults. Ask your local library or nonprofit for help navigating online dating safely.
