Date: 7/14/2021
We all know about the Baby Boomer generation. This large group of people is an active, involved group of people who will need support to age successfully.
Wilbraham has an adult population of 11,810 with 4,428 over 60 years of age (37.5 percent) and 2,156 between 50 and 59 years of age (18.3 percent). This group currently represents 56 percent of Wilbraham’s population.
Our current Senior Center housed in the YMCA building is 3840 sq ft and has been limited in its ability to adequately serve the needs of all our older adults.
The proposed plan for a larger venue would keep our Center in step with the changing needs and numbers of Wilbraham’s older adults.
Food insecurity is a concern as people age. They are often on a limited income and cooking for many presents challenges. Paula Dubord – current director of Elder Affairs – would utilize an enlarged facility to offer an increased number of healthy low-cost meals. This addition in service will allow people to have a meal and the chance to socialize with their peers.
Studies have shown that isolation is harmful to a person’s physical and mental health. Older adults tend to be isolated naturally as retirement, empty nest and decreased mobility occurs. A larger, dedicated space would give the towns older adults a space to gather, dine and connect with one another. Starting these new relationships as younger seniors will help socialization as family dynamics change in the aging process.
Exercise is another important part of successful aging. The phrase “move it or lose it” is very true for older adults. A dedicated larger center which can offer more opportunities for a variety of fitness classes – chair exercise, Tai Chi, yoga and a larger fitness room will be a sound investment for our adult population. Exercise and strong bodies have been proven to aid in fall prevention.
A new center will offer potential educational classes, clubs and activities. Continuing to engage the brain as people age is just as important as exercising the body.
Current statistics on our proposed center and adjacent towns:
• Ludlow – Over 60 population 5,997 – New center 17,920 square feet.
• Longmeadow – Over 60 population 4,471 – New center 15,924 square feet with 8,200 additional gymnasium.
• Hampden – Over 60 population 1,764 – Existing 20-year-old center 8,932 square feet.
• Wilbraham – Over 60 population 4,428 – Existing center 3,840 square feet, less than 1 square foot per senior
• Wilbraham proposed new center 15,300 square feet, 3.5 square feet per senior.
• The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs recommends 5.5 square feet per senior
If you have any doubts on the need in Wilbraham for the proposed new center please stop in at our existing location and either drive by or do an online tour of our neighboring towns.
Our next letter will focus on creating a safe space for seniors. Feel free to reach out to our committee with comments or questions at seniorinfo2021@gmail.com or 596-2800 extension 315.
George O. Fontaine
Senior Center Building
Committee Wilbraham
