Many older adults feel they are too young to use a senior center and have the perception centers are a place for “old people” to play bingo and cards and sit all day. You will find quite the opposite at the South Brunswick Senior Center. Older adults attend discussion groups, feng shui, museum trips, Pilates, tai chi, computer training, art classes, educational seminars, and school events, and are active volunteers in the community.
I am writing to invite the public to the South Brunswick Senior Center this month in hopes to increase awareness to the broad spectrum of programs and services we offer older adults age 55 plus and break through these stereotypes. On May 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., we will host a public open house with tours, class demos, a flea market coordinated by our Friends organization, an art show, file of life, and health information from the South Brunswick Health Department and so much more. Inquire for yourself, a family member, friend or reach out to a neighbor. May 14-20 is National Senior Center Week. This year’s theme is “Senior Centers – Our Community Investment.” At the May 9 Township Council meeting, a resolution will be made honoring this occasion.
Older adults today are redefining the word “aging” and have come a long way since the first senior center opened more than 60 years ago. We will have many special events throughout the month and we welcome everyone to stop by, attend a program, take a tour, and become acquainted with the friendly staff and the vast array of services the center offers.
We continually strive to meet the changing needs of this new generation of older adults and to ensure optimal quality of life through physical, educational and emotional well-being with active participation in community life. We have something for everyone!
Our township is fortunate to have a beautiful facility filled with at least 175 active participants daily, a dedicated staff, volunteers and the generous support of our mayor, manager and Township Council, especially our liaison Carol Barrett.
I hope you take this opportunity to discover firsthand what our center and its members have to offer. Please call (732) 329-4000, ext. 7670 for hours and event information, and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Christine Wildemuth
director, South Brunswick Office on Aging