The Senior Sector

Life experiences define individuality.

Your community's seniors are seeking fun, fitness and companionship.


What Shapes A Senior?

Take into consideration the impact of historical events such as the Great Depression (1929), the repeal of Prohibition (1933), the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941), the Space Race (1957), the Civil Rights Movement (1965) and Women’s Movement (1966), as well as the Vietnam War (1964).

In a span of less than 40 years, the manner in which life was lived was completely altered.

Think for a moment about the older adult who was in the prime of his or her youth during the Great Depression. That person likely experienced hunger, poverty, rationing and unemployment in the family like many others at that time.

He or she also would likely have a different vantage point than someone who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, with the notion that one voice can make a difference.

Both generations currently fall into the older-adult sector, which senior centers are to serve and serve fairly.

Does this idea sound too farfetched? Look at it this way: For the first half of your life, recreational activities are segmented according to a particular stage. Programs such as parent-tot swimming lessons, toddler-tumbling and T-ball are specially designed and administered.

Sports progress through every grade at school at the same rate as the participants. As the competition changes, skills are honed and new things are learned.

New opportunities become available with age throughout high school and college.

After a successful career and raising a family, retirement approaches–now what? For the next undetermined number of years, what are people supposed to do?

Role Of The Senior Center In A Community

This is where the local senior center comes into play. I know, I know. It’s a senior center and most people believe they are not old enough to go there.

Remember, age has nothing to do with ability and desire. A senior center is not an assisted-living facility nor is it a senior community.

Your senior population is a diverse mix of ages, interests and abilities.

Senior centers fill the gap. They cater to older adults within an area or region (i.e., city, county, district) who are still living independently. These folks are seeking opportunities to socially and intellectually engage with others, foster friendships, experience new ideas, and contribute their skills and knowledge.

And they are relying on public and private entities such as senior centers, fitness centers and whatever social groups and clubs meet to fill this need.

Recreation Programming Considerations

There is much to consider when programming for older adults. The age range is difficult to accommodate fairly, but then also to take into consideration the vast degree of differences in abilities–physical, mental and financial, the expectations of convenience, customer service, government, community and socialization.

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  1. Senior Participation
  2. Senior Health & Fitness Day
  3. Senior Focus
  4. Swim Lessons
  5. Fitness Cycles
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  • Departments