Senior centers: For fun, connection and healthy living
Charles County Government works to provide a high quality of life for all ages. The Department of Community Services operates four senior centers located in Waldorf, La Plata, Nanjemoy and Indian Head for individuals age 60 and older. Senior centers provide numerous opportunities for older adults to develop their skills and use their talents in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
The county’s senior centers include Richard R. Clark Senior Center (1210 Charles St., La Plata), Indian Head Senior Center (100 Cornwallis Square, Indian Head), Waldorf Senior Center (3092 Crain Highway, Waldorf) and Nanjemoy Community Center (4375 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy). Daily activities include: parties and special events; meals; socialization; fine arts; physical fitness, Senior Center Plus, a social program for more frail senior citizens; health and wellness ac- tivities; recreational programs; support groups; educational/ adult learning programs; and volunteer opportunities.
According to the National Council on Aging, individuals who participate in senior center programs have improved health, better social interaction and greater life satisfaction as compared to their non-participating peers. Senior centers also serve as a gateway to the aging network by connecting older adults and their caregivers to vital community services that help them to remain healthy and independent. Remaining active and socially-connected is one of the best predictors of healthy, successful aging. Activity, whether through fitness or other life-enriching experiences, reduces the risk of depression, stabilizes or reduces cognitive decline and decreases social isolation among older adults.
All Charles County senior centers are members of the Maryland Association of Senior Centers, a statewide organization that promotes training and excellence in activities planning for older adults in centers across the state. The centers are also members of the National Institute for Senior Centers, a national organization that recognizes excellence in programming and services throughout the country. Due to the talented professionals who work at our four centers, Charles County has received numerous state and national awards and recognition for excellence in the senior citizen activities and ser vices programming.
The Department of Community Services conducts frequent presentations to organizations and community groups about aging services and support for family caregivers. The centers are always looking for ways to best serve our aging population, and encourage senior citizens and councils to submit their ideas for new programs to the centers. To submit your ideas, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/cs/aging/senior-centers for senior center hours and contact information.
To promote all upcoming programs and services, the department publishes the monthly newsletters, The SCOOP and Nanjemoy News. Read these publications for new events, activities and programs. Visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/cs/ag-ing/aging-and-senior-programs to read the publications and learn more about senior opportunities. Seniors, we encourage you to visit the senior centers and join the fun. Visit one of the centers to learn new skills, get more active, and make a new friend or two!
Haywood Evans, La Plata The writer is the Charles County Director of the Department of Community Services