S.L.A.Y.: Seniors Living Their Active Years
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NISC Programs of Excellence
- Year Awarded: 2025
- Programs of Excellence Name: S.LA.Y., Seniors Living their Active Years
- Hosting Organization: Baltimore County Department of Aging/Pikesville Senior Center
- Baltimore County Population: 34,935
- 60+ Population: 7,960
- Senior Center Members: 3,300
About S.L.A.Y.
S.L.A.Y. was created to foster engagement with older adults who desire more activity than what is typically offered at the center. This particular group of people participate at events outside of the center, offered on a daily basis.
Community activites are offered in the areas of art, music, theater, community service, fitness, international travel and so much more. This program was developed to help address loneliness some older adults were feeling after the center closed for the day or weekend, or after relocation from another state. Some of these older adults have lost partners or have no family to engage with. Each member is given the chance at leadership and suggestion of what activities would be good for the group. The departments are broken into subdivisions and are led by active members.
The program's mission is to provide an avenue for seniors to bond by exploring and experiencing life interactions in positive settings. It strives to create and foster bonds with a diverse group of older adults from all walks of life, encourage and recruit people who are interested in trying new social activities or programs, and provide an atmosphere that promotes positive interactions..
Key takeaways from S.L.A.Y:
- S.L.A.Y has increased social interaction within the participants.
- Program members are out in public more and a number of members who have been transplanted within the Pikesville neighborhood have made good friends.
- Those that are a part of the leadership team feel empowered, important, needed and engaged.
About Baltimore County Department of Aging
The Baltimore County Department of Aging offers a wide variety of programs and services for the older adults of the county. Their vision is to support older adults in "living longer, living well" by offering twenty senior centers throughout the county, including a virtual senior center, caregiver support, technology resources, publications, and media.
The Pikesville Senior Center is part of Baltimore County Department of Aging's network, offering more than 60 classes per week in education, health, recreation, current events, and more.