Be Local by becoming involved in senior centers
As warmer weather begins to spread across the district with the arrival of spring, area residents are coming out of their homes to enjoy more socializing. That includes senior citizens.
Be Local means supporting area senior centers that connect older adults to their communities as well as services that help them stay independent.
“I think when the weather breaks, people are seeing what’s out there. I don’t think everyone knows about senior centers,” said Crystal Barnhart, project manager at Fayette County Community Action Agency Inc., who works with senior centers in Uniontown, Fairchance, Bullskin Township and the mountain area.
Barnhart talked about the good that comes from visiting senior centers: “There’s a variety of activities that gets you out of the house and gets you to a place where you can enjoy a congregate meal. You can meet new friends and get acquainted with others in the surrounding area.”
Located in communities throughout the region, senior centers are open year round for adults aged 60 and older as well as their spouses regardless of age.
Each center has different days they are open. For example, Uniontown Adult Recreation Center is open five days a week while Mountain Citizens is open Tuesdays and Thursdays.
But all senior centers recognize the importance of older adults. And there are many older adults living in Pennsylvania.
“Currently, there are over 3 million individuals age 60 and older living in the commonwealth,” according to an updated booklet called “Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians” that was published by the state Dept. of Aging in 2018. “At 21.3 percent, Pennsylvania has the fourth highest percentage of residents age 60 and over. And by 2020, more than one in four Pennsylvanians (26.2 percent) will be age 60 and older.”
Among the many services provided by the state, the booklet called attention to the importance of senior centers: “Senior community centers are a vital linkage in the distribution of aging services, promoting socialization, engagement, and a positive quality of life. Further, centers work with a variety of local organizations including their Area Agency on Aging to provide access to legal assistance, health screenings, senior employment programs, and volunteer opportunities.”
And it’s as easy as showing up.
Barnhart noted, “There’s no charge for senior centers. We only ask a $2 donation for the food and to get programs in, but it’s not mandatory – just a suggestion.”
Barnhart said those who can’t find a ride to the senior center can be signed up for the FACT bus, going through the Area Agency on Aging for the paperwork to arrange this transportation that’s managed by Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation.
“They’ll pick you up and drop you off,” Barnhart said.
Once there, members find many activities and programs to enjoy, such as exercise and health screenings.
Information on activities can be found at the centers. But news about the centers is also available in the monthly Senior Times, which is distributed in the Herald-Standard.
Senior centers give back to those who have given to their communities throughout their lives.
“It helps you stay independent. It helps you get out of isolation,” said Barnhart. “You meet people. You make new friends. It gets you out of the house.”
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 32 Church St., Waynesburg.