Senior Center Incorporated

Fitness/physical wellness - the center offered over 134,00 hours of fitness and wellness programs and resources this year, including 40 recurring high-quality, senior-appropriate fitness programs designed to improve or maintain the physical health of community participants. In a recent survey of center participants, 86% of respondents reported they felt better physically because they attended programs at the center and 72% said it helped them maintain their independence. Fitness and wellness programs are designed to meet a wide range of ability levels and preserve or increase functional fitness.

Volunteer opportunities - clinical studies indicate that older adults who volunteer their time and skills are happier, have an increased sense of well-being, enjoy broader social networks, and live longer. In this fiscal year, 361 center volunteers contributed 40,155 hours of service at the center and at 36 nonprofits throughout our community. According to the virginia office on volunteerism and community services, the economic impact of these volunteer service hours equates to over 18 full-time positions. With limited paid staffing, the center relies on volunteers to provide over 50% of the labor required to run the organization; this helps to keep the costs of programs and services low while also reinforcing a greater sense of community among center stakeholders.

Lifelong learning/intellectual wellness - this vital component of holistic health enables older adults to both expand their knowledge and skills and share their knowledge with others. In this fiscal year, the center offered over 16,000 hours of lifelong learning activities. From world war ii discussion group to italian for travelers, local seniors can connect with others while gaining a broader understanding of themselves and the world. Lifelong learning can also increase memory and thinking skills, help develop coping strategies as life changes, and limit or slow cognitive decline. Arts, performing arts, and crafts - global studies link arts participation with positive cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan; its proven effectiveness and cost-effectiveness as a health promotion strategy offers incredible potential for community health. The center offered over 18,000 hours of arts programming. Arts programming offers instruction and provides performance opportunities that encourage self-expression and creativity. Research shows that participatory arts can also benefit cognitive function and memory, increase social interaction, and reduce stress. Partner organization programs -the center regularly partners with other community nonprofits to share limited resources and enhance the delivery of physical, intellectual, and/or social support services. Through partner programming, community participants can access a greater variety of services and activities that align with our region's public health priorities. Partner program collaborations include piedmont master gardeners, wednesday music club, osher lifelong learning institute, charlottesville climate collaborative, university of virginia health system, sentara healthcare, alzheimer's association, american red cross, jefferson area board of aging (jaba), aarp, charlottesville ballet, virginia festival of the book, and american parkinson's disease association. The center is also a committed participant in the charlottesville area alliance, working with other local senior-focused organizations to address aging issues and promote and age-friendly community.