Finally Made the Call to the "Senior Center"

[Ruthanne]

I don't know exactly why it's taken me so long to contact them. Maybe the picture in my mind was not so good of what it might be..I don't know. Anyways, called them and the lady answered and said "Division of Aging." Then I thought I must have reached another number and I told her my concerns that this was a Senior Center phone line. She told me they would love to have me there and would send me a calendar. How easy that was~ Gave her my address and will be awaiting the calendar.

Have you ever called your towns Senior Center and what was your experience on the phone and anything having to do with this~

 

[Geezerette]

Our Sr Centers in ABQ are wonderful! But they answer their phones with the name of the center, tho they are all under our city dept of Sr affairs/aging. Strategically located in many neighborhoods. Very welcoming. Most have a new members orientation & coffee hour monthly, Serve breakfast & lunch for a small fee, have many kinds of activities from games, handicrafts, discussion groups, exercise, speakers, language classes. Special holiday events too. Do a monthly newsletter on paper & on line. Both employed & hired staff. Well kept, handicap access + good parking. Organize some bus trips & outings. Can help folks get any needed social services. I go to 3 different ones at various times. The Centers and the public libraries are 2 of the very best things about ABQ. Hope those in other cities are as lucky . Good luck Ruthanne! Hope you will have an enjoyable experience!

 

[Ruthanne]

Our Sr Centers in ABQ are wonderful! But they answer their phones with the name of the center, tho they are all under our city dept of Sr affairs/aging. Strategically located in many neighborhoods. Very welcoming. Most have a new members orientation & coffee hour monthly, Serve breakfast & lunch for a small fee, have many kinds of activities from games, handicrafts, discussion groups, exercise, speakers, language classes. Special holiday events too. Do a monthly newsletter on paper & on line. Both employed & hired staff. Well kept, handicap access + good parking. Organize some bus trips & outings. Can help folks get any needed social services. I go to 3 different ones at various times. The Centers and the public libraries are 2 of the very best things about ABQ. Hope those in other cities are as lucky . Good luck Ruthanne! Hope you will have an enjoyable experience!

Wow, sounds great where you are. I am not in a big major city but in a suburb of one. I hope we have some of what you have...sounds great..thank you for lifting my spirits today:sentimental:

 

[treeguy64]

I went to a few Senior Centers that AARP had sent to me, along with activities available at each one. All of the places I visited, every last one, told me that the AARP coordinator hadn't been by in over a year, and none of the listed activities had been going on for about that long. Very disappointing.

 

[Granny Maggie]

I have been thinking about calling my local Senior Center as well to attend part time like 3 times per week.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I found the Senior Citizen's Center near me provided a nice warm mid day meal. From about 10 AM to 12, there is an unprogramed session, where people can congregate. After the meal, there is, of course Bingo till 2. Women out live men by a good 8-10 years, so the vast majority of attendees will be women - mostly widows. I stopped going for several reasons. First I really didn't need a big noon meal. Plus I don't like playing bingo for hours. The problem was that they wanted me to call, and notify them if I wouldn't be attending several days in advance. Well, I have a severe spinal condition and I don't know how I'll feel until I get that morning. So it was difficult for me to follow that rule.The reason I mention that is that most senior centers are funded by the federal government, so if you go, be prepared for some weird rules. The people I met were nice, congenial, and I missed not going. I would recommend going to the center. Get the hell out of house!
After all, if you don't like it, nobody is forcing you to go.

 

[Ruthanne]

I went to a few Senior Centers that AARP had sent to me, along with activities available at each one. All of the places I visited, every last one, told me that the AARP coordinator hadn't been by in over a year, and none of the listed activities had been going on for about that long. Very disappointing.

Sorry that happened there~

I have been thinking about calling my local Senior Center as well to attend part time like 3 times per week.

Go for it Maggie~

I found the Senior Citizen's Center near me provided a nice warm mid day meal. From about 10 AM to 12, there is an unprogramed session, where people can congregate. After the meal, there is, of course Bingo till 2. Women out live men by a good 8-10 years, so the vast majority of attendees will be women - mostly widows. I stopped going for several reasons. First I really didn't need a big noon meal. Plus I don't like playing bingo for hours. The problem was that they wanted me to call, and notify them if I wouldn't be attending several days in advance. Well, I have a severe spinal condition and I don't know how I'll feel until I get that morning. So it was difficult for me to follow that rule.The reason I mention that is that most senior centers are funded by the federal government, so if you go, be prepared for some weird rules. The people I met were nice, congenial, and I missed not going. I would recommend going to the center. Get the hell out of house!
After all, if you don't like it, nobody is forcing you to go.

Sounds interesting to say the least~lol~I am going to see how the calendar looks first off~lol:sentimental:

 

[Geezerette]

treeguy64, maybe its only just me but I wouldn't touch anything with the AARP name on it with the proverbial 10 foot pole. At one time they were an advocacy group but their whole existence now is to sell mediocre insurance and financial products to gullible seniors. anything they endorse is likely done to bring some revenue into their org rather than really be any sort of guarantee of quality

 

[Ruthanne]

treeguy64, maybe its only just me but I wouldn't touch anything with the AARP name on it with the proverbial 10 foot pole. At one time they were an advocacy group but their whole existence now is to sell mediocre insurance and financial products to gullible seniors. anything they endorse is likely done to bring some revenue into their org rather than really be any sort of guarantee of quality

:thankyou: Yes~

 

[retiredtraveler]

treeguy64, maybe its only just me but I wouldn't touch anything with the AARP name on it with the proverbial 10 foot pole. At one time they were an advocacy group but their whole existence now is to sell mediocre insurance and financial products to gullible seniors. anything they endorse is likely done to bring some revenue into their org rather than really be any sort of guarantee of quality

You are correct. Although, I have to admit, I have their Medicare supplement. But, you're correct about the change from advocacy to profits first, people second.

 

[Marie5656]

I am considering joining up. Our nearby one seems to have a lot of interesting activities. Once my head clears up I will look into it

 

[SeaBreeze]

I contacted a local senior center long before I was officially considered a 'senior'. It was because I saw in a local ad that they had art classes there that were inexpensive, and you didn't have to be a senior to attend. I only went to a couple, when my father in law had a serious stroke and I stopped going because I wanted to be with family during that stressful time. But, from what I saw, the facility was nice and the people were friendly. I have no desire to join a senior center now, because I still have my husband and am still active on a daily basis. Maybe someday when I want more socialization or entertainment, I will join up with a center.

As far as AARP, they've been hounding me for years by mail since I turned around 50. They are still pushy and always sending me member cards to sign off on and pay them their fees. I will never join there, the tactics they use are too aggressive for my taste, they don't take no for an answer. I know someone who joined, and she said they were useless to her.

 

[Leann]

I hadn't thought about a senior center until I read this post. I did a search and found that there are three such centers in the county in which I live. I might stop by to check at least one of them out. In my mind I think I'm too young for a senior center but my age makes me well qualified.

 

[Kadee]

Senior centres in Australia have lots to offer ,we dance ( ballroom) at two seperate centres a week
they offer tai chi ,bowls ,cards ,day trips ,bingo ,folk art ,quilting / sewing ,social groups and the list go’s on , some even have line dancing which is good if anyone is well enough to take part in it , its social as well as keep fit exercise (I enjoyed line dancing when hubs was still working )
One if the centres we go to, offer very cheap meals cooked on the premises to eat there or take away fresh or frozen
Ruth even if the the centre you have contacted doesn’t offer anything that interests you , maybe look a little further from home

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Funny you should ask! A little more than a year ago I was looking for a senior center to attend that had activities and went on outings. I knew there is one in the next town over but it seemed they just served lunch and maybe played games. I did not find one for my city. I'm a fairly new widow and after taking a vacation and catching up with things left undone due to my long hours at the hospital when my husband was in ICU, I decided it was time for me to find a place to go. I found two centers in town...why I didn't find them before, I don't know. I chose the one easiest to get to by bus. Like you, I called and got a welcoming response. I started going three weeks ago. They have breakfast foods available and for $1.25 a day, we get lunch. Their lunches are more like full course dinners and we wind up taking some home. They do exercises for an hour twice a week, play bingo (which I'm not into) so I can spend that time on my tablet or in conversation. They go to Walmart once a month. Either of the Walmarts they take us to are surrounded by other stores and food establishments; one is even right next to a Costco. This is helpful to my son who won't have to take me shopping nearly as much after working long hours. Once a month with the exception of July & August when the children are out of school, they take us to Camp Hope where they serve breakfast, lunch, have live "entertainment" (if you can call it that...they really need to hire a new musician), dancing if we choose, they play bingo and have a raffle. I plan to go no more than 3 days a week but most likely only 2. I've already made some friends and reconnected with a former neighbor who is now blind. We had an enjoyable time talking on the way up and at Camp Hope. Door to door transportation is available whenever I want it.

I hope you find new friends like I did and enjoy your time at the center. I hope you'll update us on your experience.

 

[Ruthanne]

I am considering joining up. Our nearby one seems to have a lot of interesting activities. Once my head clears up I will look into it

Good for you~

I contacted a local senior center long before I was officially considered a 'senior'. It was because I saw in a local ad that they had art classes there that were inexpensive, and you didn't have to be a senior to attend. I only went to a couple, when my father in law had a serious stroke and I stopped going because I wanted to be with family during that stressful time. But, from what I saw, the facility was nice and the people were friendly. I have no desire to join a senior center now, because I still have my husband and am still active on a daily basis. Maybe someday when I want more socialization or entertainment, I will join up with a center.

As far as AARP, they've been hounding me for years by mail since I turned around 50. They are still pushy and always sending me member cards to sign off on and pay them their fees. I will never join there, the tactics they use are too aggressive for my taste, they don't take no for an answer. I know someone who joined, and she said they were useless to her.

Cool~

I hadn't thought about a senior center until I read this post. I did a search and found that there are three such centers in the county in which I live. I might stop by to check at least one of them out. In my mind I think I'm too young for a senior center but my age makes me well qualified.

I know, I bet many of us feel we are too young for them as I did, too. I hope it works out for you.

Senior centres in Australia have lots to offer ,we dance ( ballroom) at two seperate centres a week
they offer tai chi ,bowls ,cards ,day trips ,bingo ,folk art ,quilting / sewing ,social groups and the list go’s on , some even have line dancing which is good if anyone is well enough to take part in it , its social as well as keep fit exercise (I enjoyed line dancing when hubs was still working )
One if the centres we go to, offer very cheap meals cooked on the premises to eat there or take away fresh or frozen
Ruth even if the the centre you have contacted doesn’t offer anything that interests you , maybe look a little further from home

Wow, sounds fantastic. I am thinking at some point in time I may volunteer there. The center has contacted me and seems interesting.

Funny you should ask! A little more than a year ago I was looking for a senior center to attend that had activities and went on outings. I knew there is one in the next town over but it seemed they just served lunch and maybe played games. I did not find one for my city. I'm a fairly new widow and after taking a vacation and catching up with things left undone due to my long hours at the hospital when my husband was in ICU, I decided it was time for me to find a place to go. I found two centers in town...why I didn't find them before, I don't know. I chose the one easiest to get to by bus. Like you, I called and got a welcoming response. I started going three weeks ago. They have breakfast foods available and for $1.25 a day, we get lunch. Their lunches are more like full course dinners and we wind up taking some home. They do exercises for an hour twice a week, play bingo (which I'm not into) so I can spend that time on my tablet or in conversation. They go to Walmart once a month. Either of the Walmarts they take us to are surrounded by other stores and food establishments; one is even right next to a Costco. This is helpful to my son who won't have to take me shopping nearly as much after working long hours. Once a month with the exception of July & August when the children are out of school, they take us to Camp Hope where they serve breakfast, lunch, have live "entertainment" (if you can call it that...they really need to hire a new musician), dancing if we choose, they play bingo and have a raffle. I plan to go no more than 3 days a week but most likely only 2. I've already made some friends and reconnected with a former neighbor who is now blind. We had an enjoyable time talking on the way up and at Camp Hope. Door to door transportation is available whenever I want it.

I hope you find new friends like I did and enjoy your time at the center. I hope you'll update us on your experience.

Hope you get that new music~lol. Glad it was good for you.

 

[Ruthanne]

Update: I got the calendar promised to me today. It says everyone has to fill out an application but they don't require an id as they "believe you." LOL. I feel as if I am going to be more connected to those of my age in my community and that's a good thing...at least I think so now. They seem to be open a lot of hours and I am looking forward to going there soon.

 

[AZ Jim]

I contacted a local senior center long before I was officially considered a 'senior'. It was because I saw in a local ad that they had art classes there that were inexpensive, and you didn't have to be a senior to attend. I only went to a couple, when my father in law had a serious stroke and I stopped going because I wanted to be with family during that stressful time. But, from what I saw, the facility was nice and the people were friendly. I have no desire to join a senior center now, because I still have my husband and am still active on a daily basis. Maybe someday when I want more socialization or entertainment, I will join up with a center.

As far as AARP, they've been hounding me for years by mail since I turned around 50. They are still pushy and always sending me member cards to sign off on and pay them their fees. I will never join there, the tactics they use are too aggressive for my taste, they don't take no for an answer. I know someone who joined, and she said they were useless to her.

At one point many years ago, I was a AARP member but the only thing they did for me was try and push insurances. I quit and now they clog my mail with "offers". They are a pain.

 

[Ken N Tx]

At one point many years ago, I was a AARP member but the only thing they did for me was try and push insurances. I quit and now they clog my mail with "offers". They are a pain.

Ditto.......

 

[DaveA]

I've never formally joined one of our local senior centers but have stopped by and had a cup of coffee a couple of times. Seem like pleasant folks but I have no interest in joining. I would think that they'd be nice for folks without families nearby, or if one was new to a community.

 

[Butterfly]

treeguy64, maybe its only just me but I wouldn't touch anything with the AARP name on it with the proverbial 10 foot pole. At one time they were an advocacy group but their whole existence now is to sell mediocre insurance and financial products to gullible seniors. anything they endorse is likely done to bring some revenue into their org rather than really be any sort of guarantee of quality

I wholeheartedly agree!! I don't want anything to do with them, either.

 

[Butterfly]

At one point many years ago, I was a AARP member but the only thing they did for me was try and push insurances. I quit and now they clog my mail with "offers". They are a pain.

I get tons of mail from them too, and I was never a member.