In the coming years, there will no doubt be an expanding number and variety of programs offered to older adults with the aging of the Baby Boomer Generation. But even presently, there can be a good number of options available in your local community. Are you aware of some of the programs that exist near you for older adults? Or is that something you have not greatly explored or considered?
In looking into the options available in the Greater Lansing area, I found that the local public library system, the Capital Area District Library, has a few events specifically designated for seniors at various branches, such an informational event to learn about Medicare and how to help fight fraud, a senior book group that meets at a local senior center, an informational event covering “tips on how to choose a nursing home, how to recognize and report resident abuse and neglect, and how to keep loved ones safe”, and also outreach into the community by having books available for checkout during a senior lunch at the town hall. And there are many more events for adults in general that seniors may want to attend like book groups, writing groups, craft programs, visiting authors, informational events, computer classes, and more.
I especially found that the East Lansing Prime Time Senior Program seemed like a great organization that provides a wide variety of opportunities and programs for seniors (“age 50 or better”). They have a newsletter. There is an Active Senior of the Day section of the website, where local high school and college journalism students interviewed seniors in the community and wrote about their inspiring stories. There are also plenty of activities to get involved in such as health and fitness classes, arts and literature groups, games, discussion and social groups, and other events. They also have resources on various services available in the community that may be helpful to seniors.
For older adults looking to stay active and volunteer in their communities, one national program similar to AmeriCorps is called Senior Corps. Through Senior Corps, older adults (55+) can search for opportunities to serve locally or nationally. In Lansing, there is also a similar program called the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
The Tri-County Office on Aging is another organization that has further information on various resources and programs available to seniors in a wide variety of areas from health to recreation and more.
These organizations already collaborate in some ways, such as the library hosting a book discussion group at a senior center or making books available for seniors in on site locations. But these organizations and others could potentially find ways to collaborate on more events and programs. They could also partner to share resources, such as creating a local area events guide for senior programs. Just like all individuals, older adults can vary greatly in their interests and activities. There are a wealth of various programs for aging people available that people may not be aware of or involved in because they do not know they exist. Collaboration is one great way to publicize, raise awareness, and connect people to resources and programs that may be of interest to them. After this brief overview, I look forward to continuing to learn about what programs are available to older adults in my local community and beyond.