The Senior Centers are the hub of our congregate meals program. Just call the Senior Center the prior morning to make a reservation and your hot meal will be ready and waiting for you at lunch the next day. The age requirement for participation in the congregate meal program at the Senior Centers is 60 and older.
The meals are required to meet one-third of the dietary reference intake (D.R.I.) for older adults. There is no charge for the daily meal but a contribution of $3.00 is suggested and encouraged.
Congregate meals are just a portion of what the Senior Centers provide. Many seniors enjoy the socialization of the congregate meals, and many end up staying after the meal to play bingo or cards with their friends. The social activity provided at the senior centers is a very important aspect of the older adults' lives.
Along with social activities, entertainment and crafts are part of the agenda at most of the senior centers. Senior centers bring in entertainment from the local surrounding area, such as singers and musicians, which usually play music familiar to the seniors' era. Since crafts are popular with many seniors, some senior centers offer various crafts, such as quilting and painting.
Health promotions and physical activities are another component of the senior centers. The Chef Charles Program and the Happy Feet Walking Program are two of the health promotions offered at selected senior centers in the Southwest 8 area. These are both excellent programs promoting physical activity. The Chef Charles Program also provides nutrition education, food safety information, and making more food with less money. The physical activities offered at the senior centers vary according to the sites.
Please check with your local Senior Center to find out which activities are offered.
