12 The QUEE NS Courier • health • MARCH 3, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶health Queens seniors find a home away from home When some individuals here the words “senior center,” they often picture a group of older adults sitting around playing a card game, haphazardly staring at the ceiling. Older adults are seen as frail and immobile. In reality, however, senior centers in Queens are the exact opposite. They represent the rising culture that aging doesn’t have to be boring; in fact, older adults can be just as engaging and active as any other age group. “Our activities, especially those geared toward physical and mental wellness, seek to help improve overall health and create a positive outlook on the aging process,” Pomonok Senior Center Assistant Director Jessica Chin said. “Aging does not have to be a oneway street from retirement; it can be dynamic and, dare I say, fun!” Queens Community House has five senior centers which serve more than 6,000 older adults. Their locations include Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens and the Pomonok Houses in Flushing, as well as the Queens Center for Gay Seniors in Jackson Heights. At every site, physical activities are offered to improve the minds of Queens’ senior residents and to encourage them to get the most of their senior years and be mobile. “We have a variety of programs including personal trainer classes, circuit training, ballroom dancing, line dancing, belly dancing, yoga, meditation, aerobics, tai chi sword, ping-pong and Zumba,” said Nicole Vaughn- Robinson, director of center-based services for older adults. “We want our seniors to age with dignity and know that they can be both independent and engaged with others in their community.” According to several of QCH’s senior center directors, seniors may become more isolated as they age. This effect is brought on by the inability to travel long distances and living far away from family. QCH’s senior centers provide the necessary opportunities for older adults to socialize, make new friends and feel like they are part of a community. “Just in the first few days in coming here, members feel more energetic and you can seem them start to develop a youthful attitude, and as a result they begin to feel worthwhile,” Forest Hills Senior Center Director Rose Desravines said. The older adults who participate in these interactive programs not only feel short-term relief but build long-lasting bonds and stronger mental fitness. “I have definitely seen positive changes. Over the course of my years here, I have witnessed members first come in as shy and unsure and then they change and become active and involved. You literally see their happiness increase right before your eyes,” Chin said. Kew Gardens Senior Center Director Rachel Epstein also added that her members seemed more energized and uplifted by the exercise classes, so much so that they are willing to brave almost anything to experience them. “The fact that these members come out in all kinds of weather for these classes speaks to how vitally important they are to their physical and emotional well-being,” Epstein said. Pomonok Senior Center Director Angella King said that because of these positive effects she no longer thinks the term “senior center” is adequate enough to describe the powerful programs QCH provides. “Yes, we serve older adults, but not in the traditional manner associated with senior centers,” King said. “Our center is a vibrant hub of activity. Our membership is just as varied and vibrant, and we strive to provide programs to help them remain healthy and independent in their communities.” Desravines chimed in with what she thought each center ultimately represents Multi Specialty Physical Rehabilitation Center SPINAL & SPORTS INJURIES, ARTHRITIS, POST SURGICAL & MORE! • Pain Management • Internal Medicine • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Physical Therapy We accept most types of Insurance & Workers Compensation Please call to make an appointment: 516-218-2222 40 East Merrick Road, Suite #104 · Valley Stream, NY 11580 for a member: “We are their second chance, their second home.” AWARD WINNING SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION! of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Little Neck Care Center OUR SERVICES: • Newly Renovated Facility • State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation • 24-Hour Nursing Care • Onsite Wound Care and IV Therapy • Post-Surgical and Joint Replacement • Pain Management • 24-Hour On-Call Physicians • We Speak a Variety of Languages AMENITIES: • Spacious, Bright and Modern Rooms • Flat Screen TVs And WiFi • Recreational Activities • Beauty/Barber Services • Daily Laundry and Housekeeping • Newspaper and Mail Services • 24/7 Security • Concierge Services New Orthopedic Rehabilitation Program Led By Our Orthopedic Surgeon www.LittleNeckCareCenter.com 260-19 Nassau Blvd., Little Neck, NY 11362 Tel. 718-423-6400 • Fax 718-428-0737 ACCEPTING MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST HMOs
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