Explore Your Senior Citizen Centers

Retirement years can be difficult for many seniors because they have too much idle time on their hands, fewer friends and family to socialize with, and health issues that can limit their ability to lead healthy, active lives. Fortunately, many communities nationwide recognize the need to support their growing senior population by funding and operating centers that cater to the needs of older adults.
Today, there are over 11,000 senior centers serving more than one million older adults in their local communities and neighborhoods. These centers provide a diverse range of activities and support services that enable seniors to live happier, healthier, and more vibrant lives.
Every senior center has the same mission: to provide a dedicated space where seniors can socially interact and have access to vital community services including wellness programs that can help them stay healthy and independent. Most senior centers partner with other community organizations, agencies, and businesses to become a one-stop hub that conveniently connects older adults with the essential resources and services they need.
The specific types of services and support senior centers offer can vary by community, but all of them provide life-enhancing opportunities for seniors that include:
• Social Connections. Socializing helps seniors stay happy and healthy. Senior centers are an idea place to stay socially connected because of the opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, and participate in group activities and events.
• Stay Physically Fit. Senior centers typically have wellness programs designed specifically for older adults. These include exercise programs that help seniors maintain strength, mobility, and improve their overall health. The group classes allow seniors to socially interact while staying physically fit, a double bonus for the participants.
• Cognitive Stimulation. Brain boosting activities such as games, puzzles, discussions, and lectures give seniors opportunities to keep their minds active and sharp.
• Dietary and Nutritional Support. Many centers provide free or affordable nutritious meals to seniors that may struggle with food preparation at home. Centers offer seniors cooking classes and access to dietary counseling services, both designed to help them get healthy and stay healthy by eating well-balanced meals.
• Health and Wellness Services. Senior centers stage on-site health screenings, seminars, and groups that can help older adults better manage their chronic health issues.
• Transportation Assistance. Services are available to seniors who require help getting to and from the center. Most centers also provide transportation assistance to seniors who need help going to medical appointments or for doing everyday activities such as banking and shopping.
• Volunteering Opportunities. Senior centers provide volunteering opportunities to seniors who want to give back to their local communities. Civic engagement helps others in their communities and it benefits seniors because they are more socially active.
• Access to Community Resources. Senior centers are a focal point for access to community resources. They help older adults connect easier to agencies and organizations that can provide them assistance with legal, financial, housing, medical and many other issues that are of concern.
Becoming an active member of your local senior center is easy. You can stop by if you are in the neighborhood or call ahead and make an appointment. Every senior center is government or privately funded, so taking advantage of the services and programs they offer is at no cost. There are certain situations that can incur a charge such as some meal options, classroom materials, or trips to a show or event but these costs are generally nominal with financial help often available to those in need. Bringing along a friend or family member to participate in center activities is another wonderful way to make the experience more enjoyable.
If you are unsure what types of senior centers your community offers, you can visit the website eldercare.acl.gov or call them toll-free at 800-677-1116. If you or someone you know can benefit from joining a senior center, don’t delay. Find your local center, sign up today and let the fun begin!