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 food or drinks at a low price. Most of the services and events at senior centers tend to be free or available at a reasonable cost.

Many senior centers offer information and referral services that provide information on a variety of issues affecting older adults. They may also provide information on volunteer activities and classes. Information on medical services, extended care facilities, support groups for caregivers, and so on, may also be available, depending upon the center.

Senior centers are not designed as care facilities. They are primarily social clubs. In general, senior centers are aimed at older adults who are fairly independent. Some offer transportation, but others expect seniors to be able to get to and from the center on their own. Most senior centers are very accessible to active older adults in wheelchairs and will provide suitable transportation for field trips and similar events.

Senior centers can be an important resource for older adults in any community. To find a senior center in your area, check the community service pages in your telephone book. You might also see if the Area Agency on Aging runs an information and referral service in your community. If so, it may be another source for information about local senior centers.

Last Reviewed 2005

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.

HIL File AGIN3397.rf2 VRS# 7874 Data 7.0 Copyright 1998 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.