Senior centers, now commonly known as active adult centers, provide a variety of services that meet the ever-changing needs of older adults. Gone are the days when seniors or older adults can be put into a one-size-fits-all category. Today’s age range for senior/older adults can be 50-90+. Bona-fide senior centers offer a diverse range of services for this age group, taking into consideration their needs, abilities, and interests. The Fuquay-Varina Active Adult Task Force (FVAATF) recognized these trends and was organized to educate the community and Town officials and to advocate for a senior center in Fuquay-Varina. The Task Force makes presentations to local groups and offers tours of senior centers.
In
2018, Metrostudy, a Raleigh-based company, reported data associated with Fuquay-Varina’s population. The study showed that the projected percentage increase of seniors age 65 and older will be higher than the percentage of increase for the population age 19 and under. (See “Metrostudy” table on page 10.)
Fuquay-Varina is already home to senior living communities that are age-restricted, and more are planned. A recent article in The News and Observer drew attention to this growth in its title “North Carolina’s Median Age of Residents Still Rising.” It is widely known that many older adults move here because members of their family live nearby.
WHAT WOULD A SENIOR CENTER PROVIDE, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM A COMMUNITY CENTER?
Education about aging and services that may be needed as aging progresses. This includes information about SHIIP (Seniors Health Insurance Information Program), VA benefits, housing information and options available, Resources for Seniors (Wake County’s Council on Aging), legal services, financial planning, at-home services, adult daycare, Meals on Wheels, and transportation, etc.
Often families who have older adults who move close to them or into their homes need this vital information to provide care but don’t know where to find it. Not only do senior centers help seniors, but they are there to provide information to the families caring for seniors.
Education programs can include fall prevention; diabetes management; healthy cooking classes; scams and fraud protection; estate planning; investing; and instruction in smart phones, computers and other devices.
Programs and activities tailored to senior needs and abilities where participants are actively involved in planning the programs, and many of them volunteer to teach. Examples of classes/activities that may be offered are art, yoga, tai chi, music, dance; walking, running, golf, tennis, bowling clubs or leagues; holiday parties, crafts, trips etc. Centers also encourage seniors to volunteer and give back to the community. Local organizations seeking volunteers can contact the centers to announce volunteer opportunities they may have available.
Exercise rooms and gyms with equipment adaptable for seniors.
Trained staff that is sensitive to the needs of older adults and take into consideration hearing, sight, mobility, memory, and other losses when engaging with them.
Congregate meal service such as provided by Meals on Wheels.
A building that would contain specific design elements not found in typical community centers. Examples are multiple types of flooring surfaces, additional lighting, wide hallways, and ergonomically-friendly furniture selected specifically for the needs of older adults.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT PRESENT?
Fuquay-Varina Parks and Recreation Department offers a selection of classes, activities, trips and special events for older adults at the Community Center. Examples of classes and activities are dance, art, technology help, cards, and pickleball. However, space limitations have made it difficult for additional programming expansion. The Adult Task Force members often hear seniors say they are not aware of the existing programs at the Community Center. Program brochures detailing the senior activities are available at the Community Center. Because many seniors don’t know to visit the Community Center, the Task Force helps distribute brochures to several locations throughout the area, so hopefully more seniors can be reached and can participate. Program information is also available online, but many seniors do not have the knowledge or equipment to access it. Another source of courses designed for seniors is the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center.
The Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Senior Services Council sponsors an annual Senior Expo where seniors, their families and friends can talk directly to the local vendors who provide services related to seniors and aging.
Senior center locations in Wake County include Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, Wendell, two locations in Raleigh, plus Apex where a wing will be added to their Community Center.
To paraphrase from the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come.” This is true for a senior center. If you build one that meets their needs and wants, “seniors will come!”
