Have you visited a senior center recently? If you have, you know that they can be a really good time, not just for seniors, but for everyone. Just because its a “senior” center doesn’t mean everyone is playing cards and bingo. There are drop-in rates for all ages, so you can see many of these Colorado seniors be more active than their grandkids.
Seniors know they can either move it or lose it, so they are going to senior centers like never before. The benefits are immense. Seniors get to:
- Stay physical through guided workouts and fitness programs like yoga and pilates.
- Socialize, meet new people and play games.
- Relax in a different environment and read a book, perhaps with a club.
- Learn new skills or advance a hobby with classes.
- Find volunteering and job opportunities.
The list goes on…but you have to get to one to see how great senior centers can be.
A Senior Center for You
Not all senior centers are the same. Each one has different staff and programs for everyone to partake in, so you should look around to find one that fits your needs. Channel 9 put together a list of Colorado Senior Centers and there are over 40 senior centers in Denver alone! You can always Google “senior center” to see websites, reviews and directions to each place before visiting. As an example, the NCOA has accredited the Aurora Center for Active Adults where in 2012 they:
“Serve(d) 4,790 active adults annually with programs and services that include classes in fitness, health, dance, computers, arts, crafts, language and a variety of other hobbies and interests. In addition, day trips, hikes, social activities, and special events are offered at the Center. Nearly 900 activities/classes were offered in 2012. Programs are also offered at satellite sites in Southeast Aurora. The ACAA partners with social services agencies to make services accessible to the senior community.”
Here is their list of Fall 2013 activities.
Getting Out of the House
Getting out of the house isn’t always easy for seniors. The most difficult part of getting to a senior center is making the decision to leave the house and having the support to actually get there. Some senior centers provide transportation services, and as senior care providers, we also provide transportation as part of all of our other Denver home care services. We encourage our seniors to get out, connect with friends and we make it as easy as possible.
