EAST BRUNSWICK – Whether its information and services on medical needs or a need for meals to be delivered home, the township’s Senior Center has it covered.
Over the years, the center has become not only a focal point for all senior issues in town, but also a place that an ever-growing number of residents take advantage of a multitude of services and programs. The center currently has more than 6,000 members, ranging in age from 60-97.
As a way of reaching out further to the community, the Senior Center will hold its first-ever open house on Monday from noon until 2 p.m., and again from 7 to 9 p.m. It is open to all East Brunswick residents, regardless of age. The facility is located in the municipal complex, adjacent to the township’s library.
Rachel Steinberg, director of the township’s Office on Aging, which runs the center, said the open house is one way to let people know about all the services offered and to talk about the notion that its users are elderly and don’t do much.
“It’s completely different than that,” she said.
In fact, most members are very active. They tend to become active in part because of the huge variety of services and activities offered.
“We schedule over 13 exercise classes a week ranging from Tai Chi, yoga, square dancing, light chair exercise to stretch and relax, and advanced healthy bones, to name a few,” Steinberg said.
The center also presents guest speakers regularly, and offers a “Successful Aging” class, she said. Art classes, computer workshops and craft classes are also held on a weekly basis.
The center also strives to provide “mind and body preventative care,” she said, and offers health related programs such as blood pressure clinics, nurse services and health screenings throughout the year.
Even the families of senior citizens can make use of the Senior Center, she noted, as it provides information on health, housing and other issues important to seniors.
And unlike doctors, the Office on Aging can still make home visits, if needed.
“We want to educate people before there is a crisis,” she said. “We are the first place for them to turn when there is one.”
To be a member, one must be 60 years of age or older and a resident of East Brunswick. Most of the programs are available free of charge, though some, such as yoga, have nominal fees.
One goal of the Senior Center is to keep seniors in touch with the community, Steinberg noted. This becomes more important as one gets older.
“Some people lose friends and get isolated and alienated,” she said.
Some members visit the Senior Center every day; others go infrequently. It’s all up the user, Steinberg said.
The center, which has operated for more than 30 years, also offers a number of community based trips to malls, restaurants, grocery stores, banks and other places seniors may have to go. Daylong and overnight trips are offered.
At the open house, there will be 13 stations that describe the various services provided by the center. Also, St. Peter’s University Hospital representatives will be on hand to provide free blood sugar, blood pressure and osteoporosis screenings, Steinberg said. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be raffles and giveaways.
Visitors will able to learn more about interesting specialty groups such as Let’s Talk, Bereavement, Memory Matters and Sweet Solitude.
The center will also showcase its game room, which includes billiards, cards and board games.
Steinberg also noted the pride those at the Senior Center take in its meal program, which delivers about 11,000 home meals annually to seniors in need.
Part of the center’s appeal is its versatility and diversity.
“People think the senior center population is homogenous, but it’s not,” Steinberg said.
She said she is thankful to Mayor Bill Neary and the Township Council for their support over the years. Though many other towns have senior centers, few can equal East Brunswick’s in terms of breadth of services and size.
“Most towns have one, but not like ours,” Steinberg said.
For more information about the open house, call the Senior Center at (732) 390- 6896.