Older people can age with dignity
Throughout September, for the 45th year in a row, senior citizen organizations at the federal, state and local levels are recognizing the key role that senior centers play in healthy aging.
National Senior Center Month is a celebration of the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) to highlight the tremendous value that senior centers provide in their communities, including programs that empower older adults to age well holistically and strengthen mind, body, spirit and community bonds. The NISC began this national celebration of senior centers in 1979.
The concept later gained support from other senior citizen organizations, as well as the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Senior Citizens and the House Permanent Committee on Senior Citizens. In 1985, the NISC was instrumental in passing the first Presidential Proclamation on Senior Citizens’ Center Week, which was signed by then-President Ronald Reagan. In 2007, the NISC declared the entire month of September as National Senior Citizens’ Center Month to give senior citizens centers more flexibility in planning celebratory events.
Today, it is estimated that there are more than 11,000 senior centers across the country that serve the elderly. These senior centers are places of strong connections that not only bring older people together to socialize, but also provide them with opportunities to improve their emotional and physical health, learn new activities and financial security, and give back to their own community.
As President and CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples, I am proud of the leadership role our nonprofit organization plays in providing diverse programs and services to seniors in our community. Baker Senior Center Naples has become the community’s “one-stop shop” for older adults and is often referred to as the “one-stop destination for senior services.”
Originally founded as the Naples Senior Center, Baker Senior Center Naples opened its doors on January 22, 2014 to alleviate issues such as isolation and loneliness. Located in a small rented space, the center initially offered social programs and activities to only 80 seniors. Programs and services have since expanded greatly and membership has grown to over 2,500.
Like other senior centers across the country, we offer a wide range of social, educational and wellness programs, including art, music and film classes, brain training and education seminars, technology and computer science classes, physical wellness and special interest groups. These activities are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of nearly 300 volunteers.
What makes us unique is that we also offer important programs and services through licensed and certified professionals. These include Brookdale Cognitive Health Services, including dementia respite groups and caregiver support, geriatric case management and senior outreach programs, and mental health counseling. We also offer a “choice” food distribution.
Importantly, we are a Medicare provider and are also listed by other private insurers. For those who do not have Medicare, services are offered on a sliding fee scale. Referrals come to us from physicians, clergy, other members of senior centers, and the general population.
This month, Baker Senior Center Naples is celebrating the theme of National Senior Center Month by offering programs that reflect the special theme of connection. These include presentations such as “Connecting to the World Through Travel Stories” and “Connecting Through Art Using Polymer Clay,” as well as a 4-hour boot camp educational program for friends and family members who serve as caregivers. We are a community center where older adults find friendship, meaning, and purpose.
One of my favorite quotes comes from the influential English singer-songwriter David Bowie, who said, “Aging is an extraordinary process by which you become the person you were always meant to be.”
The members of our senior center are discovering their best selves every day. They demand the opportunity to continue to socialize, explore, and express their individuality. We support them and this community in the best way possible with evidence-based programs and resources, while providing a welcoming and safe environment that helps them stay healthy and independent.
For more information about Baker Senior Center Naples, as well as our many programs for local seniors, we invite all community members over the age of 60 to stop by, enjoy a tour with one of our volunteers, and be a part of the magic that happens daily on Autumn Oaks Lane. Please call (239) 325-4444 or visit our website at Bakerseniorcenternaples.org.
Dr. Jaclynn Faffer is President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides a one-stop shop for comprehensive professional services and programs for local seniors and their families.
