Years before I retired, I had given thought to how I wanted to spend my retirement years. I did not relish the thought of retiring one day and then the next day frantically wondering what would I now do to fill in the days and hours that were formerly filled with work responsibilities. I considered it fun to think about what I would do once I left the “9-5″ life. In my last few years of work, my dad was amused by my telling him that “work was interfering with the rest of my life!” When my husband and I retired in 2006, we moved to Georgia and at once we searched the opportunities that were available for seniors. Fortunately, we reside in a county that values its seniors and numerous senior centers are available for our residents who reside throughout the county. These senior centers offer interesting educational and leisure activities to suit almost every preference one can imagine. Keeping in mind that there is no such thing as “one size fits all”, this article lists typical activities and benefits one can enjoy by joining a senior center.
Enrichment courses
A varied selection of courses are offered in senior centers ranging from line dancing to jewelry making to language courses to name a few. The course offerings are limitless and a little investigation will yield information about courses that may pique your interest. Many centers offer the courses free or for a nominal fee for a specified number of weeks.
Fitness courses
Increasing emphasis has been placed upon seniors maintaining health and fitness throughout their senior years. The usual aches and pains may be present but they can be better managed when we exercise regularly to help diminish the discomfort that we may experience. Regular exercise and water activities have been shown to have a beneficial effect as arthritic joints and creaky bones respond to a regular exercise regimen. Walking, swimming, aerobics and a host of other exercise programs are of definite benefit to help seniors maintain health and balance. Usually the classes are conducted by knowledgeable and understanding fitness instructors who understand the needs and limitations of seniors.
Special Events
Neighborhood senior center staff are always seeking ideas and programs to present to seniors. Social activities are an important part of the calendar of events at a senior center and such events are designed to encourage member participation. At our local senior center, every year a Red and White Ball is held on or near Valentine’s Day and each year it grows more popular. The senior members are dressed in beautiful formal attire and it is a highlight of the special events calendar at our senior center. In addition, concerts and travel opportunities are posted well in advance so that you can save for the cost of the event. Weekend trips as well as day trips are well received at our center. The staff hires a bus, we board and leave the driving to someone else. My husband and I would probably not visit as many places of interest if it were not for the escorted bus trips. There is always some event being planned and while every event may not be of interest, check your senior center for a schedule of events and sign up for a trip. You’ll probably be glad you did. It’s an excellent way to socialize and meet new people.
Educational Seminar
We have all heard the adage that “you are never too old to learn” and most senior centers are receptive to having community presentations about topics that are of particular interest to seniors. Our center recently had a presentation about the services and resources offered by our local City Clerk’s office. Many of the offered services were not services one would tend to associate with the clerk’s office. Monthly, our senior center has a dietician visit and speak to us about food safety and healthy living. Other times, we have had legal and medical personnel talk to us about topics particularly relevant to seniors. The local fire department faithfully comes weekly to our senior center to check the blood pressure of anyone who desires to have his blood pressure taken. Educational seminars contain helpful, useful information without having to travel any distance which could be problematic for seniors who no longer drive or have no easy access to transportation. Local police and fire department personnel often come to visit to discuss safety issue and to warn us of frauds and scams to avoid.
Low Cost Meals
I was always a “brown bagger” for lunch while I was working and when I did occasionally go out for lunch I was always reminded of how costly it can be to buy lunch everyday. At our senior center, breakfast and lunch can be purchased for well under $5.00 each. The menu is printed on the weekly schedule and we have found that sometimes it is almost always more reasonable for us to buy lunch at the senior center than to go to an ordinary restaurant. At times, we have brought the lunch home and had it for dinner. The cost is easy on the pocketbook and is a real savings; the portions are sufficient and the price is right!
Check out your local neighborhood center to find out what specific programs are available. Do not allow yourself to stay home missing out on the varied activities and courses offered by the center. No longer do seniors have to sit home pining away about former days. Consider your local neighborhood senior center as your partner in making your retirement fulfilling and meaningful. Call the staff of the neighborhood senior center to arrange a tour of the center for you or your senior family member to explore the available activites to keep mind and body active during retirement.