What is a Senior Center?

Senior centers were supported by the Older American Act of 1965 and created to provide social activities, nutritious meals and case management to adults aged 60 and older.

Today’s modern comprehensive Senior Centers are often called “Life Enrichment Centers,” “Life Span” or “Life Options Centers.” These names more accurately describe the array of social, educational and fitness choices available to today’s active adults.

These newer centers are often open into the evenings with full daily schedules for swimming pools, gymnasiums, libraries, computer labs, theater halls, cafés, outdoor recreation facilities, classrooms and more.

Activities such as group travel, woodworking, painting, musical groups, lectures, and classes from Tai Chi and creative writing, to managing diabetes, are excellent ways to learn new skills and make new friends.

Assistance with a wide array of services can also be obtained for housing, tax preparation, employment and volunteering, veteran’s benefits, medical needs and transportation.

We all know how important staying mentally, physically, and socially active is to our over-all health and well-being. Today’s Senior Centers provide that and more!

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Why do we need a Senior Recreation Center in Alachua County?

In Alachua County, the population of persons between the ages of 65-79 was 15,938 in 2005. The number of persons in this age group is projected to be 40,757 by 2030.

There are currently 229 Senior Centers in Florida’s 67 counties. Alachua County, with the University of Florida, has none.

Many boomers need a place for their parents to socialize while they are working and some are relocating out of Alachua County to communities that have Senior Centers for that reason.

Boomers want to live in communities that have a lot to offer now and into the future.

Adults need safe places to socialize and activities in which to participate, just like college students and children.

Involvement in Senior Centers can eliminate, reduce and delay the need for other types of supportive services.

People use these facilities for 40+ years of their lives compared to facilities for younger populations who may use facilities for 3-10 years of their lives.

Having a place for persons 50+ to meet and make friends can result in less need for services because these friends frequently help each other in times of need.

All citizens of Alachua County pay a mandated percentage of taxes for nursing home care. Reducing the number of persons needing this level of care benefits us all.

The Center could also be designed and designated as a shelter for use during natural and other disasters.

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How will the Senior Recreation Center be funded?

Right now the people working on this project are considering many options for funding, including local support from the community and state and federal grants.

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Why do we want to attract more retirees to Alachua County?

Seniors have the largest percentage of discretionary income, which can help communities remain stable during economic recessions.

Seniors participate in and financially support local issues such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, the arts and the needs of children.

Seniors have a greater tendency to be involved in local issues and are more likely to vote than other age groups.

Many seniors serve as role models and mentors for children and young families.

Seniors volunteer. Alachua County’s two volunteer programs for persons aged 55+ currently have more than 730 volunteers in 90+ non-profit, government and health care agencies throughout the county. Last year they provided 238,206 hours of service in schools, hospitals, museums, shelters, the courts, libraries, state parks and many other locations.

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Where will the Senior Recreation Center be located?

The City of Gainesville’s Northside Park has been selected as the most appropriate and desirable site.

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What kind of services does a senior center provide?

Some of the most common services offered include:
• Health and wellness programs
• Arts and humanities
• Intergenerational programs
• Employment assistance
• Social networking
• Transportation services
• Volunteer opportunities
• Educational opportunities
• Information and referral
• Financial assistance
• Meal and nutrition programs
• Leisure travel

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How can I help make the Senior Recreation Center a reality?

Help us get the word out. We need help distributing brochures, giving talks to local civic, service, church and other groups. We also need money to help fund planning, informational materials, potential grant matches and the
cost of the facility and furnishings.

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