Senior Centers

What are senior centers?

Senior centers are sometimes known as senior clubs. They are places where older adults can gather to socialize, meet people, and make new friends. They also offer activities, including classes, games, sports, and field trips. Many senior centers offer a noon meal at little or no cost. Most of the services and events at senior centers are either free or available at a reasonable cost.

Who is eligible to join a senior center?

Senior centers are social clubs, not care facilities. They are meant for older adults who are fairly independent. Most senior centers are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Many centers will provide transportation for field trips and special events.

What services are offered?

Activities vary depending on the center. They may include:

Recreation. Dances, or dance instruction may be given in tap, ballroom, ballet, or folk dancing. You might enjoy playing billiards, bridge, or bingo.
Health, fitness, and wellness. Daily exercise classes such as aerobics and yoga may be available.
Help with finances. Counselors can help with income tax, social security benefits, health insurance, and housing.
Transportation. The center may offer free rides from your home to and from the senior center. Some may take seniors to the grocery store or to doctor appointments.
Arts and crafts. You may be able to learn about painting, acting, or knitting.
Meals. A noon meal is usually served daily. Some centers deliver lunches to home-bound seniors.
Volunteering. You might want to teach classes, act as a foster grandparent to children, or provide other expertise and help.
Learning. Classes in writing, exercise, and computer skills may be offered, often at no charge.

Where are they located?

Senior centers can be an important resource for older adults in any community. To find a senior center near you:

Check the community service pages in your telephone book.
Call the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. (Call between 9 AM and 8 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.)

If you have recently retired, or simply want a place to remain active, healthy, and enjoy companionship, visit your local senior center.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File AGI3033F.HTM Release 9.0/2006