Q. My daughter keeps suggesting that I check out the senior center in my town. I’m only 63! I feel too young to be going to a senior center. She says I’m being stubborn and that there are a lot of activities for someone my age. Who’s right?
A. Your daughter is onto something. Many people have outdated notions of senior centers, but today’s centers are a hub of activity and resources. They offer opportunities to make new friends, participate in wellness and nutrition programs, learn something new, access community resources, and so much more.
September is National Senior Center Month and this year’s theme, “Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script,” reflects how senior centers have evolved to meet the changing needs of older adults and our communities and invites us to rethink old assumptions. If you want to spend time in a place that fosters creativity, lifelong learning, connection, wellness, and purpose, there’s no better place than your local senior center.
When you’re ready to give it a try, here are some ways you can learn more and get started at your local senior center:
Visit in person – Take a tour to see what your center has to offer. You might even get to see classes and activities in action.
Consult the schedule – Most centers have a newsletter or bulletin board with an overview of upcoming events and regular classes. You may find there are several events and activities you would like to try.
Talk to staff – Stop in and talk to staff about your interests and ask them for recommendations.
Try it out – Don’t be shy. Try different activities to see what’s the best fit for you.
Bring a friend – If you’re hesitant to go it alone, enlist a friend to try it with you.
If you need help finding your nearest senior center, you can look it up on the mass.gov website at: www.mass.gov/info-details/find-your-local-council-on-aging.
Whatever method you choose to get involved, I do hope you will give your local senior center a try. Chances are, you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t go sooner.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
