Uncover the Benefits of Senior Centers (no, They're Not Nursing Homes)

Loneliness and social isolation are significant issues among older adults. The recurring losses of spouses or friends, hesitation to try new social spaces, and misconceptions about “senior centers” can keep many seniors confined to their homes. Senior centers, or senior community centers, are underused, low-pressure solutions to increasing social engagement. While many older adults may assume senior centers aren’t designed for them, that mindset often changes the moment they step through the door.

We spoke to Arielle Preciado, Director of Senior Services in the Borough of Oakland, NJ, to get insights on what a senior center is, which activities you can participate in, and how to find one near you.

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What exactly is a senior center?

“A senior community center is usually a facility or program that is run by the township,” Preciado explains. “Residents over the age of 55 are welcome to join for social, recreational, educational, and fitness programming. The ultimate goal is to give seniors a place to go and socialize and be part of the community.”

It is important to highlight that a senior center is not the same as a nursing home or a medical facility. It is a recreational center tailored specifically for older adults.

“We saw [during and after] COVID, the detrimental effects of not having the opportunity to socialize with others. The senior center is a community center — a place for those to gather and socialize.”
Arielle Preciado, Director of Senior Services in the Borough of Oakland, NJ

What can you do there?

There are a variety of activities you can participate in at a senior center, including:

Yoga
Pilates
Fall prevention class
Balance class
Bingo
Book club
Support groups
Chair exercises
Computer class
Arts and crafts
Health screenings
Game night
Chess club
Water aerobics
Trips to local museums, historic sites, or scenic drives

Senior community centers are also known for hosting fun events. “We do a huge New Year’s Eve party that we call Noon Year’s Eve, and we celebrate at 12 o’clock noon,” Preciado says. “We do a big ball drop, have a DJ, and catered lunch, and that is one of those huge events that, no matter the age, everybody loves it.”

The real benefits (beyond just activities)

Senior centers aren’t just about the fun activities and events — they can support your mental and physical well-being in later life.

Reduced loneliness and isolation

A senior center is an opportunity for older adults to socialize with others in their community and develop new relationships. With loneliness and social isolation being major challenges the aging population faces, this recreational center is core to social connectedness.

“We saw [during and after] COVID, the detrimental effects of not having the opportunity to socialize with others,” Preciado says. “The senior center is a community center — a place for those to gather and socialize.”

Physical and mental health support

Senior centers typically offer weekly exercise classes to support seniors’ physical health. “We offer the same programs that you see at the local gym, with the same instructors, and, at least [in our senior center], it could be low-cost or free, which is definitely a plus,” Preciado says.

For seniors on a fixed income, finding free or low-cost ways to exercise is essential — and your local senior center may provide just that. In addition, senior community centers can offer activities to support your cognitive health. Workshops and classes covering topics like computer technology, knitting, storytelling, or chess can help exercise your brain and keep your memory sharp.

Access to resources

Beyond fun activities and classes, senior centers can also be a resource hub for seniors. Many programs, like Preciado’s, hold events that offer hot meals to members. Facilities may also provide legal guidance, counseling, case management, and volunteer opportunities. Many centers also offer transportation services. “Our facility offers a transportation program, which I think is a huge draw to not just [to us], but for senior facilities in general,” Preciado says. “Transportation is one of the leading factors for why someone can age in place or not.”

Helen Sena, 78, has been a resident of Oakland for over 50 years and has used the senior center quite a bit lately and likes the diversity of the exercise classes for all abilities.

“When I was really in good shape, I would pick the most advanced senior exercise classes like matt yoga, zumba and aerobics. When my arthritic knees hurt and needed medical attention, I would choose the exercise activities that required less mobility and energy like chair yoga or the arthritis/balance class,” said Sena. “However, if someone is not into exercise at the center, there are lectures and movies and a book club. Or you can just to have coffee and treats that are always available and sit and chat with neighbors in the community or even meet a new friend. We in Oakland are so lucky to have such a well-rounded facility for socialization or moving or sitting activities.”

Why some people are hesitant (and why that changes)

Many misconceptions exist surrounding senior center facilities. Preciado says seniors may believe that they’re “too young,” mistaking the recreational center for a nursing home or long-term care facility.

“People don’t distinguish a senior center from a nursing home,” she explains. “[A senior center] is a rec center geared specifically towards older adults,” she explains. “A lot of the time, they’re very cautious about coming out because they just don’t think it’s the right place for them.”

For those who are hesitant, Preciado encourages them to visit without any pressure to join. “No one’s forcing you to sign up,” she says. “Walking in the door is just to see what we’re about.”

Oftentimes, it’s not until they visit that they realize what they’ve been missing out on. “A lot of the time, as soon as they walk in the door and see everything we offer, they say, ‘I wish I had known about this years ago. I would have come so much earlier,” Preciado says.

What to expect when you visit

While you can always visit a senior community center to hang out, if you want to participate, you will likely need to register for activities or join the center. Some centers may allow drop-ins, but it’s always good to call ahead to confirm.

And if you’re not ready to partake in activities, you can just stop by to grab a cup of coffee and get a feel for the facility. “You don’t have to join or do anything — just come in and see the space and find out what we offer,” Preciado says.

How to find a senior center near you

Ready to explore your local senior center? A good starting point is to visit your local government or township’s website, which typically lists all recreational centers. Your parks and recreation departments, community centers, or libraries can also be great sources of information.

Once you find one, you’ll want to get a peek into what they offer. See if they have an activity calendar of upcoming events, if they offer transportation, and if there are any costs associated with registration.

You can always call ahead or visit the facility in person to get your questions answered and get a feel for the space.

A senior center offers connection, activity, and support to older adults. While it can be nerve-racking to put yourself out there, remind yourself that this space is designed specifically for you, and that you don’t have to commit to anything on your first visit. It’s never too late to find a new community, and it starts with simply walking through the door.

Uncover the Benefits of Senior Centers (no, They’re Not Nursing Homes)

What exactly is a senior center?

What can you do there?