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Many small towns and large cities have senior centers. You might have one in your area that you pass by on a regular basis. Perhaps you’ve seen vans emblazoned with the name of the center on the side, carrying a full load of passengers? Or maybe you’ve been to an event hosted by one, such as an indoor yard sale, a family bingo night, or even a dinner to honor someone in the community?
Senior centers are specialized community centers that strive to fulfill the needs of older adults. The ultimate goal is to provide enrichment and assistance for the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of seniors in the community. Senior centers do this by making various types of activities more easily accessible and affordable for elderly adults.
Since the Older Americans Act was signed in 1965, senior centers have popped up in even the smallest towns across the nation and have become one of the most widely-used services available to those over the age of 55.1
According to the National Council on Aging, today there are more than 11,000 senior centers across the United States serving more than one million people. The vast majority of those who participate in senior center activities visit the center one to three times each week for enrichment, meals, and planned activities.2
Senior centers might be funded by local governments or area businesses. Specialized associations, local churches, and non-profits might also pitch in to help.
What Happens at Senior Centers?
Senior centers offer an incredible opportunity to connect with others, make new friends, and learn something new. Each senior center will offer something different based on the needs and wants of the community. Here are some of the most common programs and services you’ll find at your local senior center:
· Meal and nutrition programs are available here. In fact, many Meals on Wheels programs are hosted by senior centers. That means there is usually a hot lunch available for those who want to come to the center for their midday meal to eat among friends.
· Information and assistance is always available at a senior center. Did you know that about 60% of senior centers are focal points for the Older Americans Act? That means programs and resources for seniors such as free income tax advice, information about wills, public benefits counseling, and the like are all available in one place.
· Health and wellness programs are often hosted by the senior center and conducted by a local health department or hospital. These might include checking your vital signs, screening you for diabetes and other health issues, and providing advice and referrals for those who are struggling with chronic conditions.
· Transportation services are quite common among senior centers. This often means a van or bus that takes seniors around town on a set schedule. For instance, a senior center might offer a bus to take seniors to the grocery store on Tuesdays, to the shopping center on Thursdays, or to a recreational area on a sunny weekend. As you go on these outings, take a mobile button alert with GPS tracking with you, for safety and protection.
· If you’re going stir-crazy in the house and want to volunteer somewhere or even find a job, senior centers often provide employment assistance and a list of volunteer opportunities in the neighborhood. They might even be able to help you with creating a resume and brushing up on interviewing skills as well.
· Programs for social, educational, and recreational programs abound at senior centers. The possibilities are almost endless! From lectures hosted by local experts to art classes to going out to a local matinee, to card groups and golf leagues, the services offered by your local senior center might vary widely based on the interests of the greater senior community as well as the most accessible opportunities. Some senior centers even run large community gardens!
· Health and fitness programs might also be available. Many senior centers play host to pickleball tournaments or walking programs. There might be a gym at the center, as well as someone to help you learn how to use the machines available there.
· Many support groups find a home at these centers. Popular support groups include those for cancer patients, caregivers, those suffering from chronic conditions, bereavement, and so much more. These support groups are free and open to anyone who needs them.
· Intergenerational programs are a real treat at senior centers! These are often special days designated for the whole family to come and engage in activities. Some senior centers have “grandparent days” when the seniors can bring their grandchildren for fun activities.
· Field trips are an exciting offering from the senior center. These can include trips out of town – for instance, you might be able to take a trip to the theater or a concert that is a few hours away. Participants pile into a van or bus and away they go for a day of fun! This is another time when an alert for elderly adults is a good idea – it can help you relax and truly be in the moment with your new friends.
· Broader community activities that are meant for everyone are also common. Holiday parties open to those of any age, indoor yard sales to raise funds for the center, and even charity dinners are commonly hosted by the local senior center and volunteers.
When a community tragedy strikes, senior centers often open their doors to the Red Cross and become temporary housing for those displaced by tornadoes, wildfires, and floods.
This seems like a lot, doesn’t it? But it’s actually a short list of things you can find at the senior center. These centers can easily become the heart of any senior’s community.
How Much Does it Cost to Join?
Many centers are entirely free or low cost for seniors and the elderly in the community. Sometimes a fee might be required for certain activities, such as a Broadway show.
Other centers require a monthly fee, but that fee is often determined on a sliding scale based on what a person can afford. They are certainly more affordable than joining a local gym or social club, and have the added bonus of catering specifically to seniors.
In other words, it’s very affordable to get involved with your local senior center.
How to Get Started
Some senior centers are available to those over the age of 50. However, some of them have a starting age of up to 65. Check with your local senior center to see if you qualify to attend the programs, groups, and other activities offered there.
Signing up to join a senior center is easy. In some communities, there is no formal sign-up process; you will simply get a copy of the monthly calendar of events and show up, introduce yourself, and perhaps fill out some paperwork.
Others require you to formally join, which means an application process. This is also quite simple. One of the beautiful things about a senior center is that they make it very easy for older adults to obtain the services and join in the activities offered there.
If transportation to the center is an issue, some offer volunteer services to pick you up and bring you to the center, then take you back home when the activities are done for the day. Be sure to ask about this option.
Join Now for Better Health
The importance of a senior center can’t be overstated. Studies have shown that those who participate in senior centers have a higher quality of life, including better physical and emotional health. The socialization at a senior center helps stave off loneliness, which leads to better overall health.
According to Aging & Mental Health, senior centers are directly tied to lower levels of depression and anxiety. Attending a senior center can also bring more supportive friendships and lower stress levels, both of which improve quality of life.3
And finally, research has found that senior center programs can help delay the onset of chronic disease or help the participants manage their condition and symptoms. In some cases, health problems can be caught early through the health and wellness checks that are so common at senior centers, which can result in a longer, healthier life.
Just as with the wonders of a medical alarm for seniors, there is absolutely no downside to joining your local senior center. Look it up today and give them a call to see what is required of you to join and what opportunities you can find there.
