As with the wellness programming available in senior living communities, like Arbors of Hop Brook, senior activity centers throughout the country offer a variety of opportunities to older adults. By taking advantage of these activities and resources, such as the ones available at the Manchester Senior Center, seniors help support their overall health. Learn more about why senior activity centers are so vital for senior well-being and what these centers have to offer!
How do Senior Activity Centers Benefit Senior Well-Being?
Senior activity centers provide opportunities for connection, education, and community engagement. To lift the spirits of an unhappy elderly mother or to enjoy time pursuing your current passions or new ones, senior activity centers present participants with a wide range of choices tailored to diverse interests. Sharing experiences and time with others is perhaps the most impactful benefit of senior activity centers. According to Silver Sneakers, this opportunity to socialize often helps combat loneliness, worry, or depression. Simultaneously, depending on the type of activity, seniors can strengthen their physical bodies and their cognitive health through their program participation.
What Opportunities Do Senior Activity Centers Commonly Offer?
According to the National Council on Aging, there are over 11,000 senior centers across the country. Consequently, senior activity centers may vary slightly from one location to the next. At Arbors of Hop Brook, we are fortunate to be less than 5 miles away from the Manchester Senior Center. Here are four opportunities offered by our local senior activity center and many others.
- Senior workout programs: To support positive mindsets, mobility and disease prevention, even simple exercise routines offer substantial benefits for seniors. From Tai Chi and strengthening classes to biking groups and golf leagues, senior activity centers may be the meeting point or host for these activities and the way to connect those with similar interests to others in the community.
- Hobbies: Participating in exercise classes at a senior activity center is just one way to support whole body health. Another activity for senior citizens that contributes to their wellness is enjoying hobbies, and a senior activity center enables them to enjoy these interests with others. For older adults who love to dance, they might attend the weekly square dancing or line dancing class. Many senior activity centers also offer courses such as ceramics or ways to volunteer in the community. Additionally, seniors who are looking to start a new hobby might opt to try something like virtual bowling or cardio drumming.
- Lunch: Attending lunch at the local senior center may be an important daily opportunity for connection, even if seniors otherwise use a meal delivery service. Additionally, this weekday meal may help support nutritional needs or simply offer a little variety in comparison to the food that people may generally make for themselves.
- Trips and Events: Senior activity centers may also offer event excursions that leave from the center. These opportunities often invite senior adults to experience something new or engaging, enjoy a special meal and spend time with others without having to worry about the planning or (typically) driving themselves. Depending on the nature of the trip or experience, additional fees may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Activity Centers
How can I access the classes and other offerings at my senior center?
According to the National Council on Aging, age minimums may vary by location, so it’s best to check with the senior activity center near you. Senior centers may require confirmation of age as well as residency.
Do I need a membership?
Again, whether you will need a membership or not will depend on your specific center and, perhaps, your desired level of involvement. Additionally, some services, such as health-related offerings, may be available regardless of whether or not you have a membership. Annual membership costs are typically low – a membership to the Manchester Senior Center is listed at $10 for the year at the time of this post. However, additional fees may also be specified for certain courses, activities or events.
Are senior activity centers open every day?
Many senior centers operate on weekdays during the day. If you are investigating your local senior center, consider calling about the hours in advance or checking the center’s website. Reviewing the monthly calendar of events may also be available to help you plan your activity schedule!
Arbors of Hop Brook is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), which offers comprehensive care. In addition to our own wellness programming, our community members also have access to our local senior activity center. Exploring our virtual tours and floor plans and our community calendar provides a glimpse into life at Arbors of Hop Brook. To learn more about our senior living community, schedule a tour today!