Looking for a fun, safe place to socialize with other older adults, learn something new and enjoy a nutritious, delicious lunch? If you haven’t already joined one of the 40 Senior Community Centers scattered throughout Allegheny County, now is the perfect time to check out your local center.
In fact, “Discover Yours” is the theme of this year’s National Senior Center Month. Celebrated every September, the staff at local centers are encouraging everyone to come to their nearest senior center—whether regulars or visiting for the first time. The theme also encourages older adults to discover their unique interests, creativity, talents and aspirations.
Senior centers offer a vibrant, action-packed combination of activities—from financial planning workshops, health screenings and benefits counseling to cooking, dance and technology classes. They serve as fitness centers, job and volunteering headquarters, transportation hubs, tasty dining locales for local residents, and more.
“They are essentially community hubs where older adults find friendship, meaning and purpose,” says Jennifer Baker, DHS/AAA Supervisor for the Senior Center and Nutrition Programs.
Members are discovering their best selves every day as they connect, explore and express their individuality through fun, engaging programs, as well as learning about practical tools and resources to help them stay healthy and independent.
The senior center concept was first introduced in New York City in 1943 to provide social activities, nutritious meals, and case management to adults ages 60 and older, particularly those with low incomes. Now, 80 years later, senior centers are one of the most widely used services supported by the Older Americans Act of 1965.
More than 10,000 centers support millions of older adults from all walks of life as they continue to thrive in their communities. Today’s centers are connecting older adults with meaningful work and volunteer opportunities, and increasing their access to valuable benefits and resources. Through evidence-based programs, older adults are managing their health and finances so they can continue to live independently in their own homes as long as possible.
As a result of all of this, senior centers are now one of the most widely used services among America’s older adults who are interested in staying safe, active, and healthy. Compared with their peers, senior center participants are shown to have higher levels of health, social interaction, and life satisfaction.
To learn more or to find a senior center near you, visit alleghenycounty.us or call SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460.