Cedar County to celebrate Senior Center Month

As Care Connection for Aging Services’. Cedar County senior centers join in the celebration of National Senior Center Month in September, Cedar County Services Director Pam Engleman has a reminder: Today’s older citizens are a far cry from the era of their great-grandparents. As a new generation of older adults looks to redefine retirement, they are focusing on wellness, work and volunteerism.

When it comes to finding tools for staying healthy and involved or information about benefits, senior centers are the place to start. Senior centers are community focal points that provide helpful resources to older adults and serve the community with information on aging; support for family caregivers; training for professionals and students; and the development of innovative approaches to aging issues.

A recent study found that social isolation among seniors is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In contrast, a 2017 report by the National Council on Aging shows that older adults involved in senior centers have improved their health, financial fitness, and overall well-being. The study indicates that older adults involved in senior centers increased social connectedness, physical activity, healthy eating, use of advanced planning, and participation in evidence-based programs.

The Korth Center in Stockton and the El Dorado Springs Senior Center recognize the increasing and changing needs of older adults. The following list of activities and services are typical of programs offered at the local senior centers. • Nutrition Programs Meals served at the centers and Monday – Friday Meals delivered to homebound older adults Other wellness programs • Exercise classes • Health services Blood pressure checks, flu shots, hearing assessments, diabetes self-management and monthly nail care • Information and assistance Education and guidance in understanding Medicare and insurance Referral and connection to appropriate community support services • Financial literacy Tax preparation Avoiding identity theft Tax topics for the elderly •Social events and programs Monthly entertainment, birthday parties Bingo, pinochle, canasta, pitch, pool, knitting and crocheting Cedar County’s senior centers will continue to adapt, drawing on strengths and relationships with community partners and organizations to become more of a hub, linking individuals to a wider range of activities and services in the community, according to Engleman.