The old-time
model of a rather dreary building in which seniors sit in
the lounge staring at an oversize TV and play cards or bingo
is nowhere in evidence in the two senior centers I recently
visited.
The Milford Senior Center
at 9 Jepson Drive, Milford, is a newly expanded facility,
so light and airy that it was already abuzz with activity
when I arrived at 8:45 a.m. A dance class was warming up,
while in a corner of the room, a most energetic rendition
of "Dark Town Strutters Ball" was being played
on the upright piano.
Several seniors were sharpening
their billiards skills for an upcoming match with another
senior center and upstairs a room filled with computers
was being made ready for the many seniors wishing to become
computer savvy.
The class I was here to observe
was the Writers Unlimited group, consisting of eight women
and several men and facilitated by Madeline Salustri, who
turned out to be that wonderful combination in a teacher
— demanding and encouraging at the same time.
As each student read from
a short story they had written, I was floored by the talent
each one displayed. The group helps and critiques one another
and several members have had articles published.
One of the men has just completed
a delightful children’s book. Although not a specific
goal of this particular writers group, writing can be a
healing activity for anyone experiencing a loss or a stressful
situation.
In the modern and spacious
Guilford Community Center at 32 Church St., Guilford, children’s
voices mingled with those of adults as I headed for the
second-floor room where the Body Recall class was being
held.
This physical fitness system
of gentle exercise is designed to increase flexibility and
muscle tone. Instructor Elizabeth Santoro, an "exemplary
certified" teacher, has had over 10 years of experience,
and she teaches the only Body Recall program in the state.
Developed by Dorothy Chrisman
at Berea College in 1979, Body Recall is recognized by the
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and the AARP
as an exemplary physical fitness program. It improves balance
and coordination (especially important for seniors in preventing
falls, which are often the precursor to a move to a nursing
home.)
Everyone can benefit from
Body Recall, regardless of their physical condition, says
Santoro. Using simple props such as a straight-backed chair,
a towel or a ball, Santoro led our group through 60 minutes
of exercises that were fun to do, while she explained the
benefits of each one.
Although the large class was
obviously enjoying and benefiting from the exercise, women
far outnumbered the men. This fact seems to hold true in
the tai chi and swim exercise classes as well. Come on,
you guys — we ladies want you around for as long as
possible, so get with it.
The Milford and Guilford centers
exemplify what, with adequate funds and a dedicated staff,
a senior facility can offer to the community. Both of these
centers are to be congratulated on their diverse and stimulating
range of activities in sunny, spacious buildings that are
a pleasure to visit.
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
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