What Can You Do at a Senior Center?
As a community focal point, senior centers are one of the most widely used services among America’s older adults. Today, more than 11,000 senior centers serve more than 1 million older adults every day in their communities and neighborhoods.1
But what exactly can older adults do at a senior center? And what makes them so important?
NCOA invites you to watch the videos below to see how senior centers have powered connections to help older adults stay healthy and independent. Share the videos and use our sample social media messaging to get the word out to encourage older adults to discover their local senior center during National Senior Center Month in September.
Social media best practices for National Senior Center Month and beyond
- Use the @ sign on each social media platform to tag your and NCOA’s social handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncoaging
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ncoaging
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-council-on-aging/ - Schedule posts on each platform at times that your audience is most likely to see them.
- Use the #SeniorCenters and #SeniorCenterMonth hashtags on LinkedIn and Twitter to find other organizations and thought leaders talking about senior centers and National Senior Center Month.
- Where you can, try to incorporate the following hashtags, where character count allows: #WeAgeWell #AgingWellMatters #EquityinAging #EquityPromise
- Adjust the posts below—or add new ones—that reflect what your organization will be doing to observe National Senior Center Month 2024.
Explore your local senior center and see what you can discover
Click on the links below to toggle to your video of interest and the corresponding social media copy.
- Discover Your Senior Center
- Discover Strength at Your Senior Center
- Discover a Totally Different Life at Your Senior Center
- Discover Joy at Your Senior Center
- Discover Friends at Your Senior Center
- Discover Best Friends at Your Senior Center
- Discover a Sense of Community at Your Senior Center
- Discover Creativity at Your Senior Center
- Discover Excitement at Your Senior Center
- Discover A Good Time at Your Senior Center
- Discover Encouragement at Your Senior Center
- Discover Common Interests at Your Senior Center
- Discover Happiness at Your Senior Center
Discover Your Senior Center (link to video) | |
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#SeniorCenters are more than just a place to pass the time. They’re where friendships blossom, creativity is ignited, and self-discovery continues. What does your local #SeniorCenter have in store for you? Check out this video created by the National Council on Aging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Did you know 11,000+ #SeniorCenters serve more than 1 million people every day? These centers are more than just social hubs. They connect people to vital #CommunityServices that can help them stay #Healthy and #Independent for longer. They also #Empower us to keep #Learning, #Growing, and expanding our world as we age. What can you discover at your local #SeniorCenter? Watch this video created by @ncoaging. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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Each day in America, more than 11,000 #SeniorCenters serve the needs of at least 1 million #OlderAdults. These centers are the gateway to critical community services that can help them stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. For a snapshot of senior centers across the nation, watch this video created by the National Council on Aging.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#SeniorCenters are a gateway to the nation’s aging network—connecting 1 million #OlderAdults to vital community services. Watch this video by @NCOAging to see how these centers help older Americans stay happy, healthy, and independent. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 1: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Strength (link to video) | |
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If you want to stay independent for as long as possible, your local #SeniorCenter is here for you. Many centers offer an array of wellness programs for people who are aging, ranging from meal and nutrition services to lively group fitness classes. Watch this video by the National Council on Aging to see what one participant discovered at her favorite senior center. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Strength-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#AgingWell means staying #Active, #Independent, and #Engaged with your #Community. 💪 Most centers offer a range of #Wellness programs designed to help you take charge of your #Health and #Wellbeing. "I'm discovering strength, flexibility, balance, and focus!" said one participant. Watch this @ncoaging video to see her in action. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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#AgingWell means staying active. And for many #OlderAdults, #SeniorCenters are the perfect place to do just that. Watch this video to see how one woman is finding “strength, flexibility, balance, and focus” at her local center. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Strength-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Living an active lifestyle is a key part of #AgingWell. #SeniorCenters offer many programs to help #OlderAdults keep moving. Watch the video to see how one woman is improving her “strength, flexibility, balance, and focus” at her favorite center. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Strength-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 2: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover "A Totally Different Life" (link to video) | |
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Do you like to stay busy? From social events and recreational activities… to education and arts programs, there’s always something going on at your local #SeniorCenter. See how one woman is finding joy at her favorite community destination.🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-A-Totally-Different-Life-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Want to meet new people and broaden your horizons? Stop by your local #SeniorCenter, where you’ll find these and more: 👉 Meal, nutrition, and fitness programs 👉 Transportation services 👉 Public benefits counseling 👉 Employment assistance 👉 Volunteer opportunities 👉 Social and recreational activities 👉 Educational and arts programs See how one woman is finding joy at her favorite place in this new video from @ncoaging. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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From recreational activities and social events to arts and educational programs, #OlderAdults will always find something to do at their local #SeniorCenter. See how one woman is finding joy at her favorite place. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-A-Totally-Different-Life-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#OlderAdults often find their world getting smaller. But a visit to their local #SeniorCenter can expand their horizons once again. See what one woman discovered at her local center in this video by @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-A-Totally-Different-Life-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 3: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Joy (link to video) | |
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Do you like to stay busy? From social events and recreational activities… to education and arts programs, there’s always something going on at your local #SeniorCenter. See how one woman is finding joy at her favorite community destination. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Joy-At-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Want to meet new people and broaden your horizons? Stop by your local #SeniorCenter, where you’ll find these and more: 👉 Meal, nutrition, and fitness programs 👉 Transportation services 👉 Public benefits counseling 👉 Employment assistance 👉 Volunteer opportunities 👉 Social and recreational activities 👉 Educational and arts programs In this video from @ncoaging, see how one woman is finding joy at her favorite place. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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From recreational activities and social events to arts and educational programs, #OlderAdults will always find something to do at their local #SeniorCenter. See how one woman is finding joy at her favorite place. 🎥 https://bit.ly/Discover-Joy-At-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#OlderAdults often find their world getting smaller. But a visit to their local #SeniorCenter can expand their horizons once again. See what one woman discovered at her local center in this video by @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Joy-At-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 4: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Friends (link to video) | |
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#Loneliness impacts millions of Ameircans. But being on your own doesn’t have to mean being alone. #SeniorCenters are designed to bring people together through activities and programs focused on #AgingWell. See what one woman discovered at her local center. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Friends-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#Loneliness is common as we #Age. But #SeniorCenters are here to help. Whether you’re playing games, exercising, enjoying a delicious meal, or taking a class, there are always opportunities to catch up with old friends—and make new ones. “It’s a great way to meet with your peers,” explained one woman. Watch her video now. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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By offering opportunities for connection and engagement, #SeniorCenters make a difference in the lives of #OlderAdults experiencing #Loneliness and #SocialIsolation. “It’s a great way to meet with your peers.” Learn more in this video by the National Council on Aging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Friends-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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One major way #SeniorCenters benefit #OlderAdults is by helping them stay socially engaged. “It’s a great way to meet with your peers and do the things you enjoy doing,” said one woman. Watch the full video from @NCOAging.🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Friends-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 5: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Best Friends (link to video) | |
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What’s one of the best things you’ll find at your neighborhood #SeniorCenter? New friendships that enrich your life. See what one participant discovered in this video by the National Council on Aging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Best-Friends-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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If you’re in the market for new friendships, stop by your #SeniorCenter. You’ll see plenty of smiling faces! “I got to know my best friend here... it's a place for everybody,” one participant said. Watch this video by @ncoaging to see if a new #BestFriend is in store for you. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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#Friendships tend to form naturally among #SeniorCenter participants, and these connections can have a positive impact on their emotional well-being. “I got to know my best friend here,” one man said. Watch his uplifting story in this video from the National Council on Aging.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Best-Friends-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#SocialConnections are a key benefit of #SeniorCenters. In fact, these friendships can have a major impact on #OlderAdults’ emotional well-being. “I got to know my best friend here,” one man said. See more in this video by @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Best-Friends-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 6: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover a Sense of Community (link to video) | |
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Want to find a place where you feel a sense of community and belonging? Pay a visit to your nearest #SeniorCenter. There, you’ll find other people who are looking for connections just like you. Watch this National Council on Aging video to see what you can discover. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-a-Sense-of-Community-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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💬 "The sense of community is just amazing here." That’s how one participant described their #SeniorCenter experience. Having a #Community you trust can make you feel more #Confident and supported, with a greater sense of #Purpose in your daily life. What will you find when you open the door to your #SeniorCenter? Find out in this video from @ncoaging. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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A strong social network is essential to #AgingWell, providing both physical and #MentalHealth benefits. And when it comes to a sense of #Community, #SeniorCenters deliver. Here’s what one participant had to say in this video from the National Council on Aging.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-a-Sense-of-Community-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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As we age, the benefits of a strong social network cannot be underestimated. Participating in #SeniorCenter activities can help #OlderAdults build a community that supports #AgingWell. See this video by @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-a-Sense-of-Community-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 7: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Creativity (link to video) | |
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Staying home is a habit that can be hard to break. It’s not always easy going out of your comfort zone and trying something new. But when you stop by your local #SeniorCenter, you’ll be glad you did. Find out why in this video from National Council on Aging . 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Creativity-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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In a rut and longing for something new? It’s not always easy to go out of your comfort zone and stray from your routine. But when you stop by your nearest #SeniorCenter, you’ll be so glad you did! Watch this video from @ncoaging to see what one participant discovered when she got involved at her local center. 🎥 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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Whether it's pottery or painting, #Creativity can have a positive impact on aging. Through various activities, #SeniorCenters offer ample opportunities for #OlderAdults to flex their creative muscles. See this video by National Council on Aging to learn more.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Creativity-at-Your-Senior-Center#SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Through activities like painting, pottery, woodworking, sewing, and more, #SeniorCenters offer ample opportunities for #OlderAdults to flex their creative muscles and learn new skills. Learn more in this video by @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Creativity-at-Your-Senior-Center#SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 8: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Excitement (link to video) | |
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Looking for something to shake up your daily routine? At the #SeniorCenter, there are always people to see and adventures to be had. Check out this clip 🎥 by the National Council on Aging to see what you can discover at your local senior center.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Excitement-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Staying #Active as you #Age can do wonders for your physical and #MentalHealth. And at the #SeniorCenter, you’ll find plenty of action! Whether you want to meet new people, try new hobbies, or get #Healthier, there’s something for everyone, every day. Check out this clip by @ncoaging 🎥 to see what you can discover at your local senior center.👇 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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Modern #SeniorCenters are not the senior centers of yesteryear. Many are reinventing themselves to offer more engaging, innovative supports and services that resonate with today’s #OlderAdults. See one participant talk about her experience in this video from the National Council on Aging .👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Excitement-at-Your-Senior-Center#SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Today’s #SeniorCenters have evolved to offer more engaging, innovative programs that meet the wants and needs of today’s #OlderAdults. See one woman talk about her experience in this clip by @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Excitement-at-Your-Senior-Center#SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 9: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover A Good Time (link to video) | |
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What’s one thing you’ll always find at your local #SeniorCenter? FUN! From games and contests to special-interest clubs and more, this is where people come to connect, laugh, and relax. See one participant explain why he visits his senior center nearly every day in this video by the National Council on Aging.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-A-Good-Time-At-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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What’s one key element to #AgingWell? Having fun. And when it comes to fun, #SeniorCenters deliver in spades. From #Contests and #Games to #Dancing and #Fitness classes, you’ll find something that catches your interest. “Everybody comes here to have a good time,” said one #SeniorCenter participant.
Watch this video by @ncoaging to learn why he visits nearly every day. 🎥 👇 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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For #OlderAdults, engaging activities can help ward off loneliness, improve brain function, and contribute to better mental health. #SeniorCenter programs are purposefully designed around fun and enrichment. “Everybody comes here to have a good time,” said one participant, who said he visits his center nearly every day. Watch this video by the National Council on Aging to find out why.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-A-Good-Time-At-Your-Senior-Center#SeniorCenterMonth | |
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The social and recreational activities offered at #SeniorCenters can help #OlderAdults stay sharp, active, and socially engaged. More importantly, they’re able to just have fun. See one participant talk about why he visits his center nearly every day in this video from @NCOAging. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-A-Good-Time-At-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 10: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Encouragement (link to video) | |
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#SeniorCenters are the ideal place to explore new activities, find new interests, and try something different. Watch this video from the National Council on Aging to see how one center is encouraging people to keep learning and discovering as they age.👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Encouragement-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Did you know regular visits to your #SeniorCenter can be #Empowering? There are so many opportunities to explore new #Interests, try new #Activities, and unlock your #Creative talents. See how one senior center volunteer is inspiring people to rediscover themselves in this video from @ncoaging. 🎥 👇 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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The journey of self-discovery never ends. #SeniorCenters encourage #OlderAdults to reconsider what’s possible at any age. See inspiration in action—watch this short video clip courtesy of the National Council on Aging. https://bit.ly/Discover-Encouragement-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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#SeniorCenters inspire #OlderAdults to break out of their comfort zone, explore new interests, and try unique things. Watch this clip by @NCOAging for a real-life example. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Encouragement-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
Video 11: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Common Interests (link to video) | |
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Meeting new people is fun. What’s even better? Meeting new people that have the same interests as you. 👍 Whether you’re into the arts 🎭 or archery 🎯, you’ll find friends to share it with at your local #SeniorCenter. Stop by and explore yours today! https://bit.ly/Discover-Common-Interests-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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At your local #SeniorCenter, you can tap into your #Creativity and discover #Talents you never knew you had. Even better, you’ll meet #Friends who enjoy the same #Activities as you. Whether you’re into the #Arts 🎭or #Archery 🎯, there’s so much to #Explore at the senior center. Why not pay yours a visit today?👇 #SeniorCenterMonth |
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For #OlderAdults, #SeniorCenters are a way to build valuable #SocialConnections. As one participant put it: "... you now have not only a community of friends, but people who have like interests." See more in this short video clip by the National Council on Aging to learn more. https://bit.ly/Discover-Common-Interests-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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Building a strong social network is at the heart of every #SeniorCenter. As one participant put it: "... you now have not only a community of friends, but people who have like interests." See more in this short video clip from @NCOAging. https://bit.ly/Discover-Common-Interests-at-Your-Senior-Center | |
Video 12: Discover Your Senior Center and Discover Happiness (link to video) | |
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"I feel happy every day I wake up!” That’s how the woman in this video feels about spending time at her favorite #SeniorCenter. Watch the clip now. 🎥👇 https://bit.ly/Discover-Happiness-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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No matter what you do at the #SeniorCenter… … whether it’s #Gardening, #Hiking, #Painting, #Dancing, #Bingo, #Exercise… … or just spending time with #Friends… It can fill your life with a new sense of #Purpose. "I feel happy every day I wake up!” one participant told us. 🌺 Want to know what you can #Discover at your senior center? Check out this video. #SeniorCenterMonth |
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From nutrition and fitness classes to festive holiday gatherings, #SeniorCenters give many #OlderAdults a reason to “get up and go” every morning. See what we mean in this video from National Council on Aging (we dare you not to smile!). https://bit.ly/Discover-Happiness-at-Your-Senior-Center #SeniorCenterMonth | |
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For many #OlderAdults, #SeniorCenters provide a greater sense of purpose and meaning. Watch this video by @NCOAging for a real-life example of these centers at work. 🎥👇 | |
Sources
1. Grants.gov. HHS-2021-ACL-AOA-PPSC-0080, Modernizing Senior Centers Resource Center, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. May 27, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331088
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $250,000 with 75 percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $83,000 and 25 percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
NCOA Acknowledges the Support of the U.S. Administration for Community Living for Funding the Modernizing Senior Centers Resource Center from 2021-2024
Celebrate Senior Center Month This September
September is National Senior Center Month—your opportunity to showcase your senior center and promote a positive image of aging. Join other senior centers as we learn from one another, tell powerful stories within our communities, and raise senior center voices in advocacy efforts that frequently overlook us.
How Senior Centers Serve Older Adults
Senior Centers Reach the Hard-to-Reach
How Senior Centers Help Older Adults Save Money
A Spotlight on Senior Centers
Senior centers are vibrant sources of well-being for older adults. Read the real-life stories on how they impact the lives of their participants and the communities they live in.
Share Your Senior Center Story
Help us learn from one another by sharing your story of how your senior center is improving the lives of older adults in your community.
