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I've never been to a senior center. The closest to me is over twenty miles and I don't have any real interest in Bingo and ceramics. But lately I've been thinking that I should expand my contact with other old people as people of my age do have an empathy that's missing in the under 60 crowd. I'm also interested in learning of goods and services that may not be widely known but could be of interest to me.
The local place lists what they're serving for lunch on a marquis outside; some of it sounds good.
The ones we have in Virginia are pretty good. Even if you aren't interested in the classes, you can just hang out with other people your age. They also have helpful programs such as seminars on practical issues, rides to non emergency medical care and rain barrel programs. In my neighborhood, the library is next door, so if you don't see anyone you know at the senior center you can just head next door and find a book to read. They also hold a farmers market on Sundays, and this is where you vote and find the blood mobile.
They're not for everyone, but I think they're a good way to make friends and connect with people, especially for those who have just moved to an area and don't know anyone at all. I'm not sure I would drive 20 miles for one, however--the friends you make wouldn't live nearby.
Interesting that I had been thinking the same thing as the OP. There is a senior center within easy walking distance of my home and I have never been to one - was thinking of going up there just out of curiosity. I am not highly motivated because I already have friends and activities, but I am still curious. To the OP: What do you have to lose by checking it out? Just a 40-mile round-trip drive. I say go for it.
I have recently learned that my senior center (which I have never been in) has many activities and also free lunches ! I met someone who raved about it and said it has alot more stuff for seniors than I realized. Its also next to the library, so if I don't like it, I can always go over there and read. Something to do when I need something to do.
the first year in my present location, i went to the senior center- about 2 miles from me- several times over a period of about 6 months. i went primarily for the exercise classes held twice a week. they have a good number attending, and a number of on-going activities/groups- bridge, knitting,scrapbooking,painting,etc. with the primary age group being in their seventies. at the time i was 63 and would have been interested in a book discussion group( tried to initiate; no interest ), a geneology group, a political discussion group, a foreign language study, to name a few. i did meet a couple of people in exercise with whom i was friendly for a few months but in reality, we had very little in common to sustain a relationship. i stopped going as i just didn't find any common ground with the programs or the people.
i am familiar with two other senior centers in towns close to me, and one of them does have some programs- book discussion group, writing group- that might interest me, although i've never attended. most senior centers seem to attract seniors in their late sixties and seventies, and as many of them- the women- have been homemakers all or a major part of their lives, the activities offered reflect those interests. i found more of my interests offered in the life long learning programs offered by local colleges and universities. also i've found more seniors who have backgrounds with some similarity to mine; additionally these programs seem to attract a somewhat younger group.
i feel that senior centers reflect the community in which they are located, so you may find a wide variety of programming depending on the local demographics.
My mother passed away in March and Daddy (89yrs old) decided to check out their senior center. The only time Daddy cooked was Saturday morning breakfast of bacon eggs and toast. He even called his 8 yr old sister in law to ask her how to use the microwave! lol
He went a few times at lunch and really enjoyed the meal and visiting with friends. Said they had a pool table but he never played. He went some but he would read the menu they gave him and the lunches didn't sound that good so he quit going. He recently moved into assisted living and loves it!
Both my wife and I gave a number of talks on senior services in various senior centers when that was our legislative policy area. Some were very nice and very active. Others not so much. I agree that it was usually the older elders who were in them. Meal quality varied from center to center.
Our little (212 homes) community has a lot of retirees and a very active community center. We've not attended any of the functions until Saturday night when they had a pig roast to support both the center and the beautification committee. We attended. Some of the people there we already knew as they're neighbors. Most we didn't. By-and-large they were averaging about 8-10 years older than us. We decided we'd probably pass on most future events, at least for the time being. My wife will start water aerobics at the pool in the mornings beginning tomorrow and I may go to a few of the mens morning coffees (M-F at 7:00) but that will likely be it.
The best senior center I have ever been to on the east side of the U.S. is in Charlottesville. It blew me away. It is definitely not your bingo-shuffleboard variety. It takes adults seriously and is more like a university. The facility alone puts most New England senior center buildings to shame. And the services are fantastic. C'ville is definitely slightly on my radar because of this. Learning Programs at the Senior Center Inc.
Maine has over 20 "seniors colleges" that may be tied in with senior centers (not sure).
The typical senior center around here has bingo, foot care clinics, a bit of tai chi, casino trips, day at a museum or author's homestead, BP clinic, wills and estates, a free bread day, etc. Can't say I'm too inspired to go.
The typical senior center around here has bingo, foot care clinics, a bit of tai chi, casino trips, day at a museum or author's homestead, BP clinic, wills and estates, a free bread day, etc. Can't say I'm too inspired to go.
Well, you have to remember that many of the seniors go to the centers, not for the services provided, but for the socialization.
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