Senior Centers: Original Social Networks (Video 2:25)

September is Senior Center Month, but many seniors celebrate their participation at senior centers throughout the year. If you haven’t been to a senior center recently or never, they are primary havens for supporting seniors in various aspects of their lives.

Recognized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) as community focal points, senior centers have become one of the most widely used services among America’s older population. Over 11,000 senior centers serve more than 1 million members every day. Seniors who participate in center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being. They thrive with a wide variety of programs.

Many consider senior centers to be the original social networks. They continue to keep up with growing demand by providing social interaction among people who create, share, or exchange information and ideas in a community setting. Centers build relationships among people who share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. They don’t have to look far for non-virtual games, instant messaging, friends, chat rooms, circles, groups, followers, and no passwords to join.  Great lunches are often available, too!

Call or visit your local senior center. You may be surprised at the exciting activities you can join. If your local center has a website posted, you may be able to view contact information, the daily schedule, center news, and upcoming trips and events. These original social networks are still available for you! You can find more information about senior centers at the National Council on Aging website.

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.

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