Activities for Senior Centers

There are many choices of activities for senior centers to offer. The activities may depend on the center's size and location.

Seniors enjoy socializing.

A senior center is a place where older citizens can go to socialize and participate in activities. The center is open during specific hours during the day, and the staff who work there are trained to meet the needs of seniors.

Members are invited to take part in the activities offered, and there may be an extra fee charged for special outings. Some centers open their doors to give seniors a safe place to take shelter from the heat during warmer months, while others serve meals to their members as part of their services.

The problem of social isolation is one that many seniors have to deal with regularly. If they have lived through the death of their spouse and don't have other family members who live nearby, they may be spending a significant amount of time alone. Getting out and having an active social life may help to lower the risk of depression in seniors.

Being able to go to the center helps members establish new friendships and gives them something to look forward to. Some centers offer counseling in addition to friendship and social activities. If someone on staff has a concern about a member's physical or mental health, they can suggest that the person be seen by a doctor.

Here are some examples of activities for senior centers:

• Crafts
• Bowling
• Bridge
• Computer Classes
• Dance Class
• Discussion Groups
• Exercise Classes
• Knitting
• Italian Conversation
• Needlepoint
• Pinochle
• Quilting Class
• Tai Chi
• Writing workshops
• Yoga

Some centers offer classes on nutrition and blood pressure checks to their members. Flu shots may also be part of the services available at senior centers. The staff may also arrange to have a hair stylist and a barber come into the center to provide services to members. At tax time, center members might have an opportunity for free or reduced tax preparation services.

The senior center may offer day trips or overnight outings to places of interest to its members as well. The center's staff will arrange for transportation, so the members don't need to take their own vehicles.

If you like the idea of participating in programs at a senior center but aren't sure where to find one, here are some suggestions:

• Check the Yellow Pages under Seniors or Social Services
• Ask your doctor if he or she knows of a seniors center in your area
• Conduct an online search

Once you have a list of senior centers, you can do your homework to find the right one for you. You will want to find one that is close to your home so that it is easy for you to get to. Another factor you want to consider is the location. Is the building in good condition, clean, and well lit? If not, then move on to another seniors center. You want to feel safe and secure with the one you choose.

Another thing to consider is whether the building is easy to access for people in wheelchairs or who need to use a cane or a walker. You will also want to find out whether the center offers transportation that is accessible to handicapped seniors.

Ask if you can visit the center while it is operating before you make a decision about whether you want to become a member. See if the members seem happy and take note of the way the staff members relate to them. Activities for senior centers are not the only criteria to consider when you are looking for somewhere to socialize.

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