Get Connected and Engaged
For those of you who may not know, a senior center is a place that older adults congregate for social, emotional or physical reasons. Many senior centers around the country cater to older adults' need to feel connected to each other.
Senior centers normally host an array of free activities. These include complimentary dance classes and group walking tours of the city as well as discussions of wide-ranging topics from politics to local sports.
Hub for Aging Services
According to the recent US Census, there are over 40 million American senior citizens, which is more people aged 65 or older than in any other time in US history. Over the last decade, in fact, the sheer number of baby boomers skyrocketed by nearly a fifth.
This trend is slated to continue as baby boomers continue to collect social security as senior citizens. Aging baby boomers are also expected to flock in greater numbers to senior centers, which are considered the epicenter for a community's senior services.
Informational Seminars and Communal Meals
Informational seminars and communal meals are daily events that senior centers host to attract and inform seniors of all of the aging services that their community offers.
Seniors can find out the top recreational activities from staff and other experts at these informational seminars and communal meals. At the very least, these get-togethers are a great change of pace and opportunity to connect with one's peers.
Be Part of the National Aging Network
The Older Americans Act, passed by President Johnson in 1965, helps to create and sustain what is known as the national aging network in the United States. This helps to fund initiatives like senior centers across the country.
Although most senior centers are funded by the communities in which they operate, some senior centers receive state money or funds from the federal government.
Social Benefits
On a more practical note, going through the national aging network and getting involved in your community's local senior center can have lasting social benefits. That is, some older adults transition from barely caring about socializing to feeling lonely as, maybe, a spouse passes or family comes around less often. Other times physical disabilities prevent getting proper exercise without some assistance.
Fortunately, senior centers can help many seniors to connect with their peers. Moreover, senior centers often offer bingo and potluck dinners to keep seniors' minds occupied and their spirits high. These kinds of recreational activities have the added benefit of keeping seniors feeling in control of their lives and autonomous.
Increased Independence
Seniors are meant to feel more independent when they have a schedule chock full of activities and friends to do those activities with. Older adults who regularly attend events at senior centers report a greater sense of autonomy, enjoyment and gratitude.
Because some older adults, especially those with disabilities, can feel like a burden on their families, senior centers offer a viable alternative for seniors looking to spend their remaining years having a good time with their peers. Fortunately, most senior centers provide complimentary transportation to and from the senior center to ensure that the good times last!
Medical Check-ups
Many senior centers feature health screenings and flu shots to older adults. These health screenings are a great way to spot diseases early and ensure longevity.