Retirement
Lots of people apparently have chosen to live their “golden years” in the Nashville area. According to the 2000 US census, 10 percent of the population in the Nashville area is 65 and older. The same benefits that make Nashville such an attractive place for all ages—in a nutshell, a high quality of life combined with a relatively low cost of living (and no income tax), convenient location, and pleasant climate—make it an especially desirable place for retired people. Those who have left the rigors of the work world now have even more time to take advantage of Nashville’s thousands upon thousands of acres of parks and waterways, its golf courses, swimming pools, country clubs, tennis courts, historical attractions, shopping opportunities, music, and much more.
A number of retirement communities offer a range of lifestyle options, from independent to assisted living. A fine senior citizens center, with convenient branches throughout the area, provides opportunities for recreation, travel, relaxation, and even volunteerism with friends old and new. For many retired people, the issue of health care becomes increasingly important. With such well-respected institutions as Vanderbilt University Medical Center right in town, health care access is excellent in Nashville. The central location near major interstates, along with an international airport, makes getting in and out of town—whether you’re going to see the grandkids or they’re coming to see you—a snap. And plenty of public transportation is available as well. Of course, being a senior means you get to enjoy many of the fine attractions detailed in this book at a reduced cost! The Nashville area is a great place to grow old and stay young at the same time.
1. Jewish Community Center
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 356-7170
Address: 801 Percy Warner Blvd.
Description: The facilities and programs at this center are first-rate, making it popular with families and people of all ages. The center offers a variety of programs for senior citizens, many of them using the center’s pool and gym. Classes targeting seniors include water aerobics, gentle yoga, and “golden age” exercise programs. The center also has a variety of classes—poker groups for men and women, bridge clubs, and Torah and Yiddish class are just a few. You don’t have to be Jewish to join, but you do need to be a member; special discounts are available for seniors.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Address: 174 Rains Ave.
3. Greater Nashville Regional Council
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 862-8828, (877) 973-6467
Address: 501 Union St.
Description: Greater Nashville Regional Council, a sort of “one-stop shop” for senior needs, is an information referral and assistance program for seniors and those who love and care for them. Using an extensive, nationally used software program, workers assess callers’ needs and then connect them to community resources that can meet those needs. Sometimes the answer can be provided with one call; in other instances follow-up is necessary. Senior Solutions often does the legwork for social workers, calling multiple agencies to find who can provide the needed assistance. Help covers a wide range: anything from finances and health care to depression, residential facilities, and housecleaning.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Address: 501 Union St., 6th Floor
5. Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 331-6033
Address: 301 South Perimeter Park Dr., Suite 210
Description: The Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to help people help themselves by providing knowledge and resources to improve the quality of life.” Founded in 1974, the agency serves the counties of Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson, and has offices in each county. The agency’s extensive list of services available include homemaking assistance, nutrition/home-delivered meals, home health care, transportation services, and representative payee services for those who are unable to handle their own finances due to disabilities.
6. 211 Social Services Help Line
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Description: This social services hotline established by the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville connects residents to some 2,800 health and human services programs in Middle Tennessee. Residents who need social services information or assistance simply pick up the phone and dial 211. Services range from food and shelter to health care and counseling. The system serves Metro Nashville–Davidson County as well as Cheatham, Cannon, Dickson, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
7. Adult Day Care
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 862-6450
Address: 1010 Camilla Caldwell Lane
Description: Services of the Adult Day Care program include nutrition, transportation, and adult day care assisted living. Field trips to area parks and museums, activities such as games and crafts, and special events are organized. Clients run the gamut of physical and mental abilities, with some needing more care than others. The program is open weekdays, and clients receive breakfast and lunch. Cost is based on a sliding-fee scale based on income.
8. Adult Homemaker Program
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 862-6480
Address: 25 Middleton St.
Description: This agency provides homemaker services involving light housekeeping to low-income seniors 60 and older and to mentally and physically challenged adults who live alone. Services are intended to help program participants remain in their homes, avoiding more costly nursing home placement. Homemaker Services also runs essential errands, such as grocery shopping and picking up medication, and performs laundry services. Eligibility requirements are based on financial need.
9. Nutrition Program For Senior Adults
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 880-2292
Address: 25 Middleton St.
Description: Nutrition Program for Senior Adults serves about 1,400 lunches daily Mon through Fri to Davidson County residents 60 and older. Meals are served at about 16 managed sites, such as high-rise apartment buildings and community centers, throughout the county. In addition to each day’s set menu of low-sodium food, the Nutrition Program provides activities such as arts and crafts, field trips, games, and classes to keep seniors active and involved. A home-delivered meals program serving homebound residents also is available. The Nutrition Program is partly funded by the federal government under the Older Americans Act; while there is no charge, donations are encouraged and make up a necessary part of the funding.
10. National Institute On Aging
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (301) 496-1752, (800) 222-2225
Description: The National Institute on Aging is responsible for the “conduct and support of biomedical, social, and behavioral research, training, health-information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the aging process and the diseases and other special problems and needs of the aged.” It offers a wide variety of publications, both general and specific, about such issues as incontinence, menopause, medications, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, forgetfulness, stroke, nutrition, hearing, sexuality, accident prevention, and much more.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Address: 11 Burton Hills Blvd.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Address: 8044 Coley Davis Rd.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Address: 1710 Magnolia Blvd.
14. Park Manor
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (615) 383-7303
Address: 115 Woodmont Blvd.
Description: This nonprofit independent living community is located in the prestigious Belle Meade area of west Nashville. Built in 1962, Park Manor offers efficiencies and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments—all with fire- and sound-resistant construction, smoke detectors, and 24-hour intercom systems—within a country-style environment on 7 acres. The monthly fee includes housekeeping services twice a month, all utilities except telephone and cable, and lunch and dinner every day in an elegant dining room. Private dining rooms are available for entertaining family and friends. Organized activities and seminars are offered, and transportation is also available.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Retirement
Address: 500 Elmington Ave.