Guest opinion: Senior centers play important role in “Strengthening Community Connections”
During September, Naples Senior Center will join other senior centers nationwide in celebrating National Senior Center Month with the 2022 theme of “Strengthening Community Connections.”
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Throughout the month, we will call attention to the important role that senior centers play in strengthening connections in their local communities by highlighting how we empower older adults to holistically age well and make mind, body, spirit and community connections.
Across our country, senior centers are delivering vital connections to help all older adults age well. In our own community, Naples Senior Center offers a vibrant, action-packed combination of physical and emotional wellness activities, educational opportunities, art and music classes, and cards, games and interest groups. We also provide critical dementia respite programs, caregiver support, geriatric case management, and a community food pantry for those in need.
Our dementia program, in particular, is geared toward serving the estimated 20,000 residents of Southwest Florida struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. This includes four hours of structured activities, like music and art therapy and exercise, while providing caregivers with the necessary respite to take care of themselves knowing that their loved ones are in a safe environment.
These comprehensive programs and services are available to anyone 60 years of age or older who lives in Collier or southern Lee Counties and provide an important community connection.
We work closely with community resources to aid seniors in navigating the unique challenges facing them in today’s society. Our professional geriatric case managers assist in connecting older adults to appropriate services, helping them age in place safely and with dignity.
Our licensed clinical social workers provide dementia respite support to those struggling with cognitive issues and their caregivers, as well as mental health counseling for seniors dealing with life cycle issues. And our dedicated corps of approximately 200 trained and vetted volunteers support Naples Senior Center with their valuable time and creativity.
“Betty Friedan said, ‘Aging is not “lost youth” but a new stage of opportunity and strength.’ I believe our senior center members are finding opportunity and strength each and every day.
Our seniors demand the opportunity to continue connecting. We serve them and this community the best we can with a wide variety of fun and engaging programs, while also providing practical tools and resources to help them stay healthy and independent.
The National Council on Aging began its national celebration of senior centers with Senior Center Week in May of 1979. The concept later gained support of other organizations as well as the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and House Permanent Committee on Aging.
In 1985, the agency was instrumental in achieving the first Senior Center Week Presidential Proclamation signed by President Ronald Reagan. In 2007, the entire month of September was designated as Senior Center Month to give greater flexibility in scheduling celebratory events.
Most senior centers, like Naples Senior Center, are non-profit organizations that exist thanks to generous community support. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We have outgrown our current leased facilities at 5025 Castello Dr. and, in just a few months, we will be moving into our new permanent home which is nearing completion in North Naples.
This 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building will give us the additional resources needed to provide our growing elderly population with the tools to address life’s challenges, like isolation and loneliness. Also included in this new space is a wing dedicated for our critical dementia programs. For additional details, visit www.NaplesSeniorCenter.org or call 239-325-4444.
Dr. Jaclynn Faffer is President/CEO of Naples Senior Center.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Senior centers: important role in “Strengthening Community Connections”
