The idea for Pastimes emerged from conversations with a local Dementia Friendly action team, particularly when first responders noted that sometimes seniors experiencing memory loss or loneliness would call 911 with non-emergency calls. The need for activities, information, and resources for this population was identified, and the idea for Pastimes was conceived with support from this group.

Creating intentional services for older adults, especially those living with memory loss or mental health struggles, has been identified as a priority for EVPL and is supported by data. People 65 and older make up 18% of the total population of Vanderburgh County, and that population is projected to grow by 16.4% by 2050 (Indiana Business Research Center, 2024). In addition, 10.9% of the 65 and over population in Indiana are living with Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Pastimes is published quarterly. Content and design features a new theme created by EVPL staff and Marketing Team in collaboration with senior care experts in the community.

Distribution at library locations, and to senior care facilities, first responders, and other community organizations such as the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA &More).
--These organizations provide feedback on how adults are engaging with the publication through qualitative and quantitative data.

Goals:
-Reduce social isolation for seniors at home and in care facilities.
-Engage seniors in creative endeavors to promote mental health.

Uniqueness and innovation: The public library has tailored a custom publication that prioritizes accessibility for older adults and develops content that promotes mental well-being. It reduces this population’s social isolation and engages them in meaningful experiences in locations where they are already at.

4000 Pastimes booklets have been distributed since the first edition rolled out in December 2024, with 57% of those given to community partners. EVPL has published 3 unique editions of Pastimes within this time frame.

29 organizations are included in this initiative (senior care facilities, a local EMS station, the Vanderburgh Co. Health Dept., and our local council on aging), with the number increasing with each new edition.

Data collected from community partners:
100% of respondents marked “Very Likely” when asked how likely it is that they would use a new edition at their organizations in the next year.
100% of respondents marked “Yes” when asked if Pastimes was positively received by those who used them.

“Members of our staff were impressed with the booklet. We displayed them in our activity center for visitors to take. We also provided them to persons attending Dementia Friends information sessions, our caregiver support group, and attendees of other presentations.” - SWIRCA