FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 • THE QUEENS COURIER 23
Senior centers offer fun and
wellness – far more than bingo!
On a recent day, a group of
Hispanic men shared a joke as
they played pool at an older adult
center in Queens. Across the large,
multipurpose room, Asian women
participated in an exercise class. In
classrooms dotting the perimeter,
older adults learned about the value
of eating healthy and took English as
a second language classes.
This scene wasn’t unique. It is a
typical day at one of the Department
for the Aging’s network of almost 250
older adult centers spread across the
five boroughs. There is something for
nearly everyone.
Many centers have art, music and
dance classes along with walking
clubs and yoga. Among the many
offerings are recreational trips to
museums and other cultural outings.
Some unique offerings also include
the falls prevention classes “Stay
Active and Independent for Life” and
“Tai Chi for Arthritis,” with activities
in support of annual Falls Prevention
Awareness Day on Sept. 23.
Through technology classes
at more than 100 senior centers,
older adults learn about computer
hardware, software programs such as
Word and Excel, and how to safely
browse the internet.
Meals are also provided for a
nominal suggested donation. For
some older New Yorkers living on
a limited income, these meals are a
primary source of nutrition and ease
fears related to financial stress. No
one should have to choose between
paying for meals or medications.
For older adults suffering
with depression, anxiety and
other mental health ailments,
clinicians provide on-site group
and individual counseling sessions
at dozens of senior centers in
multiple languages. This further
expands the network of care in a
safe environment for older adults
who may not normally seek help.
While September is National
Senior Center Month, we shouldn’t
wait until September to celebrate
these hubs of activity and social
connectedness. Senior centers
should be celebrated year-round.
In fact, senior center members who
participated in a survey told us that
socialization was a main reason for
them joining their local center.
Nearly 30,000 older New Yorkers
take advantage of the benefits of older
adult centers daily. Membership is
free and open to anyone age 60 or
older. Immigration status and income
are never barriers to entry.
From health and wellness to
educational classes and even bingo,
go see for yourself what senior
centers have to offer. Call 311 to find
a location near you.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
is commissioner of the New York City
Department for the Aging. Prior to
joining the de Blasio administration,
she served in executive leadership roles
with AARP, EmblemHealth and other
organizations. She also served as New
York’s first Latina Secretary of State.
Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez visits members of a Queens senior center
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