Did I happen to mention making New Year’s resolutions in my last column? Well, honestly, from what I have been reading by this time in January February most people have already given up on their new year’s resolutions.
It’s well into February, and I admit I haven’t even started a new exercise routine, so how can I challenge you? Just being inactive is a killer though. By getting up and going, all of us can become more physically agile with each passing day. The most important thing is finding the right activities for you, activities that make you happy.
Whatever your interests, there are many options available to you in the local area. You can find your niche and make amazing friendships at a variety of senior centers. Some retirees enjoy visiting them all! Some make it a point to know the schedule at every center, what’s for lunch, and where to enjoy their favorite programs.
In Aurora, at Senior Services Associates, Inc., options include balance and exercise classes, such as A Matter of Balance, an evidence -based class to help keep seniors active while examining personal fears, limitations, and challenges. There offer jigsaw puzzles and many other games. Bingo is a huge hit. They offer Line dancing, Pokeno, aerobics, crafts, and special luncheons sponsored by local businesses.
Woodcarvers, singers, coin collectors, and painters, those interested in chair exercise, yoga, pickleball, and even Zumba can find it at the Oswego Senior and Community Center. They offer a walking club, line dancing, and strength and endurance training available in the amply spaced senior center and a variety of educational programs too. They have a technology lab, writing club, investment information, and opportunities to access legal advice. Medicare and hearing screenings are offered regularly, as well as the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). For those who like to play games, there’s cards, and dominoes, bunco, bingo, dime jingo, bags, and bean bag baseball too. The Oswego center also features a library and gift shop.
Drive a bit farther west to the Fox Valley Senior Center in Sandwich Illinois, where their weekly calendar includes group fitness, chair exercise, yoga, Wii bowling, line dancing and Bingocize, as well as bible study, book club, and a men’s early breakfast. Painting classes, volleyball, a variety of outings and trips and even after-hours bingo for those who are looking for later activities are available as well.
Each center hopes you will purchase a nominal membership that helps them offer a monthly newsletter and support their programs. Each center also works to provide access to important services needed by older adults and their children or caregivers. If they do not have the answer to any question, they will work to find the answer for you and connect you with the help you need.
All these centers also offer lending closets to help families in need of temporary equipment. Necessities for those infirmed or recovering from illness or injury, such as bath chairs, commodes, wheelchairs, canes, and walkers can be accessed. Most centers cooperate with each other too, and staff are willing to check to see if something special might be available at a neighboring center if not in stock in their own closet.
Of course, this means they are interested in taking donations of these durable goods too. Check in with the front desk at any of these centers, and you’ll find they can help you donate a variety of items and connect you with organizations that will take old eyeglasses and hearing aids or dispose of unneeded items.
The breath of services, information, and benefits of our local senior centers goes beyond most people’s imagination. Older adults have wide and varied needs, wants, and talents, and our senior centers respond with access to a great storehouse of information and assistance for older adults and their families.
So, whether you want to start a new exercise routine, or just make a new friend or two, the best resolution you can make for your health, happiness, and a brighter future is to discover the senior centers near you.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, who has served in a variety of capacities throughout her career, including public relations, television producer and host, on air radio host, print journalist, and in the non-profit sector networking among a variety of social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is serving her hometown of Plano Illinois as an elected alderman. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.