Date: 5/13/2021
When you hear “senior center,” you probably get a picture of a building filled with older adults playing cards, exercising or sharing a meal. While the main goal of a senior center is to promote the wellbeing and socialization of older adults, it is also a place that benefits our entire community in Wilbraham. Let’s focus on benefits to seniors.
It is the only social service agency in town. If anyone of any age needs fuel assistance, food stamps, housing etc., it is their first stop. Our Veteran’s Agent office is there. Staff do wellness checks, working with Greater Springfield Senior Services to help keep our elders safe. They work closely with public safety, cutting down on emergency calls to police and fire. This service increased during the last year due to COVID, when staff was delivering groceries etc., while checking on the homebound.
Speaking of COVID, many of us felt isolated and anxious this past year. Unable to see friends or family easily (or at all), scared to grocery shop , doing without normal activities or conversations. Imagine if that was your life all the time. For many seniors, it is. Where to go to speak with your peers? What if I just want to spend some time around people? A senior center can provide a space to be social by sharing a meal, class or other activity with a lot of folks or maybe just a few, for free. It provides a space for those of us who don’t have a large social network – imagine being able to work on a puzzle, play pool or cards with like minded folks. Those activities can lead to conversation or not, without social pressure. Social isolation affects our physical and mental health.
A larger senior center is a must. The population of Wilbraham aged 60-plus is over 35 percent and growing. Unlike the past, older residents are choosing to remain in their homes. The Senior Center staff does an enormous amount of work in a very small area. Imagine how much more value they could bring to our community with adequate space.
A larger dining area with kitchen could provide meals five days a week. Studies show seniors have better health in congregate meal situations. Many seniors suffer from malnutrition simply because eating alone is not appealing. They get a nutritious meal for low cost and feel a sense of community. Thirty minutes a day or more of social interaction decreases risk of Alzheimer’s, lowers stress and increases immune response. As an RN in a senior center for 10 years, I can cite countless instances where the fact that a senior was a regular attendant at meals or classes actually saved their lives because their absence was noted.
I will discuss benefits to our entire town in my next letter. Feel free to reach out with questions or comments for me at seniorinfo2021@gmail.com.
Diane Weston
Wilbraham Senior Center Building Committee
