Today, almost every community has a senior center for their
older adults. The variety and magnitude
of the programs will vary but they all will feature a variety of programs and
services for seniors. Check your local
area senior center to find out what they offer. You may be very surprised.
Many offer meals either through Meals-On-Wheels or noon
dining. Most offer a variety of
recreation programs, which are offered on a regular schedule, such as Bingo,
Bridge, Arts & Crafts and a wide variety of other activities. Most also offer various day trips which
usually change monthly.
More and more today, many senior centers are offering social
services for seniors. One of my Board
members gave me the best definition I have heard about what social services
are. After spending a couple of hours
with me to learn about social services, she said, “I know what social services
are; they are about people helping people.”
Each state has a number of eligibility programs that give
some aid to low-income older adults besides public aid. There may be payments to utility companies
on behalf of the senior for heating or cooling costs. Some programs help with prescription medications. License plates may be cheaper for
seniors. There may be small cash grants
available. Corporations and agencies
sometimes band together to provide assistance to seniors in the form of home
repair and yard work.
Senior centers are also a good place to meet other seniors
and to develop new friendships. Many have room for people to congregate and
visit. It sure beats staying in your
own home and being isolated. Treat
yourself, check out your local senior center and see what it has to offer. Oh, if you don’t like what is available –
volunteer to start and run a program that you would like to attend. Senior Centers are made up of people just
like you so make it the kind of place you want to go to.
