Accessing a senior center is often as simple as finding a nearby center and getting in touch or simply attending the center. Because they are either locally funded or run as non-profit organizations, you can usually access the programs and activities for free. Many places might appreciate a small donation for some things or might like families to donate regularly as thanks for their services. Centers are often staffed at least partly by volunteers to help keep running costs low. Some centers have membership fees, but they can be as low as only a few dollars per year. You might also be required to pay for outings and events, but membership will often get you discounts.
Many sessions run at senior activity centers allow you to simply drop in and join in whenever you want. Others might require you to book a place for some activities or programs, especially when there might be limited space. It’s easier to have larger groups for some senior center activities than it is for others, so reserving your place might be necessary for classes, workshops, or other activities.
The Benefits of Senior Centers
Now that you know a bit more about what’s offered at senior centers and what you can expect from them, we’re going to delve into some of the benefits associated with seniors using these centers. Here are a few reasons why senior resource centers are important.
Stay Active and Healthy
One of the first and most important benefits to mention is the ability provided by senior centers for seniors to stay healthy and active. There are lots of classes and senior center activities that focus on exercise and mobility and that’s obviously a vital thing for all seniors. We know that mobility can suffer as we age but we can stay mobile and fit for longer when we do more exercise. Senior activity centers are the natural place to head to for seniors when they’re looking to improve their weekly exercise levels.
Meet New People and Make Friends
It’s also about being social. Seniors who might not have many friends or family living close to them can really benefit from attending a senior center regularly and making the most of all the activities that are going on there. They’ll make new friends who are in the same situation as them and are of a similar age. A person’s weekly visit to the senior center can be the social highlight of their week and without that, they can feel pretty lost.
Avoid Boredom and Isolation
Without senior community centers, many seniors would be entirely lost for interesting things to do and fill their time with. Many seniors who live alone can get bored easily and that’s when they start feeling isolated as well. Without the company and friendship that can grow from attending a senior center, many people can really struggle. It can even lead to mental health problems developing for some people. It goes to show just how important senior centers are for many people.
Engage Your Mind
Engaging your mind is a key part of what you can do at a senior center. There are lots of senior center activities and learning opportunities on offer and they get seniors thinking and learning. This is important because many people won’t have taken a class or gone out of their way to pick up a new skill for years or even decades. An active mind is a healthy one. It definitely pays off if you do decide to head to a senior resource center and start learning again.
Learn Things You Never Thought You Would
With so many learning opportunities on offer at senior activity centers, there’s nothing stopping you from learning things that you never thought you would. Of course, each senior center is different and the activities and classes on offer there will change regularly. But you’ll likely find something that’s interesting to you and that allows you to expand your horizons a little. It’s something that we all need to do from time to time, even if it involves stepping out of our comfort zone.
Do Things You’ve Never Done Before
It’s not just about learning new things, it’s also about doing things that you’ve never done before. After all, experiences are what matter most of all in life, and that’s always been the case. If there are things in life but you’ve never had the chance to, you never know; your local senior center might be the place that gives you the opportunity to do it. There’s everything from art classes to field trips; there’s something new and interesting for just about everyone.
Get Transportation Help
Transport and mobility can often be a problem for senior citizens, but senior resource centers can also help with this. Many centers can help with transport to get you to and from the center.
They can also offer transport to help you run errands or go on outings. Therefore, you are able to get out and about and connect with your community.
As well as providing transportation, they might be able to help with public transport, whether it’s assistance with navigating the transport system or help with tickets.
Access Home Maintenance Services
Some senior centers are even able to help with home maintenance. If you need some help maintaining your home, you might be able to access assistance with some minor tasks. For example, simple home repairs or perhaps seasonal help with tasks like raking leaves or shoveling snow can help to make it easier for you to stay in your own home.
Finding and Choosing a Senior Center for You
Finding a senior center might be easier than you think. Some people are referred to a senior center, perhaps by a doctor, social worker, or someone similar. You might even be recommended a center by a friend or family member.
How Do I Find a Senior Center Near Me?
There are a few things you can do if you want to find out more about the options in your area. The easiest thing you can do is carry out a simple Google search. Simply search for “senior center” followed by the name of your location or simply search “senior center near me” and you’ll be presented with options. There’ll likely be at least one senior center not far from you. You can also use the website for the NCOA and similar organizations that provide lists of senior centers.
