Today’s senior centers deliver vital connections to help older adults age well.
Senior centers offer enriching daily activities, socialization opportunities and resourceful information. Therefore, it is fitting that the National Council on Aging recognizes September as National Senior Center Month.
During the special month, the West Haven Senior Center is celebrating the shared experiences that strengthen community connections for older, independent adults.
From intriguing brain fitness to diverse creative arts and educational seminars to unique fitness programs and classic bingo, the senior center, based in the Johnson Community Center at 201 Noble St., is a community hub where older, independent adults can find friendship, meaning and purpose.
To share the power of those connections, WHSC has planned a variety of special events to celebrate Senior Center Month, including reestablishing the West Haven Public Library’s Bookmobile program, viewing DVDs of past parties the senior center hosted, and reminiscing about Savin Rock with a screening of “See Ya at the Rock!”
Other forthcoming events include cardio drumming and WHSC members stocking the Purple Pantry Box at the First Congregational Church, 464 Campbell Ave.
For the full Senior Center Month itinerary, see the West Haven Senior Highlights Newsletter at https://mycommunityonline.com/find/west-haven-senior-center.
“Betty Friedan said, ‘Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength,’” said Alyssa Maddern, the director of the Department of Elderly Services at the West Haven Senior Center.
Maddern continued: “WHSC members are finding opportunity and strength each and every day. They demand the opportunity to continue connecting: We serve them and this community the best we can with fun and engaging programs while also providing practical information and resources to help them stay healthy and independent.”
Senior Center Month emphasizes the tremendous potential senior centers deliver in their communities, including programming that empowers older, independent adults to holistically age well and strengthen mind, body, spirit and community connections.
WHSC provides opportunities for older, independent adults to travel together in various local daytrips and enjoy the daily nutritious lunch program through the LifeBridge Community Services Community Cafe.
It also provides health screenings through the West Haven Health Department and other health centers, transportation to local spots three times a week through the West Haven Senior Shuttle, and tax assistance and driver safety courses through AARP.
To learn more about WHSC, call 203-937-3507 or visit https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/161/Elderly-ServicesWest-Haven-Senior-Center.