Summer is quickly drawing to a close and that means many of the activities at some senior centres that took a summer break are already starting to return to their regular schedules. September is a great time to get to know your local senior activity centres.
What do you think of when you hear the words senior activity centre?
If you picture older people with a lap blanket, sitting around eating bland meals then you certainly have the wrong picture. If you are not familiar with senior activity centres then please, let me help you to reshape that picture.
Most senior activity centres are for anyone aged 50 or 55 and up. A senior centre is a great place to meet and get acquainted with other seniors of all ages. Research shows that compared with their peers, senior activity center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and satisfaction with life in general. Membership in a thriving senior activity centre can enhance and enrich your life especially if you are new to the community.
Most senior centres publish a monthly news letter and a calendar of activities. Check it out and see whether the center offers activities and programs you would enjoy.
If you are a senior try joining one or all of the senior centres here in town for a place to go for a social life that will include friendship, fun, laughter, good food, volunteer opportunities and many fun activities to help keep you in shape and your mind sharp.
We are fortunate to have five non-profit senior activity centres located throughout Prince George. Their goal is to help seniors remain healthy, active, independent and contributing members of the community. The senior activity centres are a source of information, fellowship, entertainment, recreational activities and a place to socialize and participate in activities with other people. Senior centres are a place to go to do volunteer work, to meet new friends and maintain relationships with old friends. There is something for everyone at a senior activity centre. In fact many members call their chosen centre their second home.
Memberships at some centres are open to any age; however these details vary along with the activities, and the scope of services of each centre. Each senior centre has monthly general meetings for members and a board of directors. They are governed by a constitution and their own set of bylaws. There may be a small fee required for membership, plus small fees needed to cover costs of programs. The main idea behind a senior centre is to provide a welcoming and affordable environment for all seniors in the community who are interested in taking part in a group atmosphere.
For the specific details and hours of operation just phone or visit one of or all of the five centres listed below:
Elder Citizen's Recreation Association: 1692 Tenth Avenue (between Vancouver and Winnipeg St.) contact Rolanda at 250-561-9381
Hart Pioneer Centre: 6986 Hart Hwy. Phone 250-962-6712
North Central Seniors Association: 5401 Moriarty (basement of the College Heights Baptist Church) Phone 250-640-1693 or contact Lorraine 778-416-8887
Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre: 425 Brunswick St. contact Trianda at 250-564-3287.
Spruce Capital Senior's Recreation Centre: 3701 Rainbow Drive phone 250-563-6450
Each centre is unique and each centre offers many of the following programs: Low cost nutritional meals, volunteer opportunities, cards (bridge, canasta, cribbage, whist), group activities (carpet bowling, floor curling, ukulele lessons, yoga, line dancing and Tai Chi), a drama club, book club, breakfast club, a prize winning photo club, singing groups, craft groups, monthly dances, cooking classes, bingo and various educational and health related clinics. Many offer reasonable catering and hall rental rates for private events.
There you have it! It is going to be another long winter so get out there and join up, meet new friends and have some fun. Remember, Today is the youngest you'll ever be, start appreciating it. It's also the oldest you've ever been, however you do not necessarily have to act like it.
