By: Allison Bendickson, Communications & Fundraising Assistant
May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is Blaze a Trail. Seniors all over the country are regularly blazing trails at their local senior centers. Here’s a list of 10 ways that you can blaze a trail at your local senior center:
- Get involved!
In a British study of loneliness and isolation among seniors, 10% of seniors described themselves as often or always lonely. Ease isolation by finding your nearest senior center and become regularly involved. - Volunteer!
Studies have shown that aiding others will improve your relationships, create a stronger community and give you a sense of purpose. There are always opportunities for volunteering at senior centers, so find your local center and get started today! - Get active!
Keep your body healthy and moving with an exercise group! Many senior centers have several different options for exercise groups from chair yoga to bike riding. - Take up a new hobby!
Find your inner artist and join a painting class. Stay warm in the winter by joining a knitting group or let your voice be heard in the senior center choir. These are just a few examples of the numerous classes and groups senior centers offer. - Find support
Along with the many activities senior centers provide, many centers also provide support groups for a variety of topics such as Parkinson’s, Grief, and Alzheimer’s. - Go on an adventure!
Day trips are an exciting way to see the local sights without having to commit to a week long vacation. Many day trips include outings to local theater shows, historic tours, visits to museums and more! - Keep your health in check
Many senior centers offer a variety of health screenings from foot care to blood pressure checks. - Kick back and relax
Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon by taking in a movie, play or choir performance at your local center. - Get help navigating Medicare, health insurance, taxes, etc.
Most senior centers offer services to help seniors make sense of complicated decisions regarding Medicare, health insurance, taxes and more. - Become a life long learner
From planning for the future to gardening to CPR training, senior centers offer a wide variety of educational classes. - BONUS: Meet new friends!
Senior centers attract people from all walks of life. Becoming part of your local senior center will give you the opportunity to meet new people and form friendships with people you may have otherwise never met.
These are just a few of the many activities and services that senior centers provide. Get in touch with your local center to learn about the specific programs they offer.
Senior Community Services partners with six local senior centers in Delano, Minnetonka, Monticello, Mound, St. Michael, and Wayzata to provide seniors with welcoming and engaging communities they can connect with. Blaze your own trail by getting connected with your local senior center today!
- Delano: 763-972-0574/http://goo.gl/IPmhnB
- Minnetonka: 952-939-8393/http://goo.gl/DTs4qx
- Monticello: 763-295-2000/http://goo.gl/4P9Wvi
- Mound: 952-472-6501/http://goo.gl/SSylGp
- Michael: 763-497-8900/http://goo.gl/kPMXHv
- Wayzata: 952-767-7882
