I’m told by a senior volunteer that I can only become a regular member of the center after attending three days, but not necessarily in the same week. The volunteer asks my name, and tells me her name as well, and introduces me to three other women Sarah, Jane, and Terry.
I walk to the table where I will have my lunch, and a few friendly ladies come by, introduce themselves to me, and we start to talk. One asks me if I want to play Bingo, another asks if I want to play cards, another suggests a game of Mah Jong, and still another asks if I want to play Rummikub. I decided on the Rummikub. I join a group of three women. After we play a few games, I am asked to attend a discussion group about a book and currents events.
We are 10 women in the discussion group, and soon five men join us. We have a lively discussion about the upcoming presidential elections, and we talk about a book, “Strange Twist-of-Fate Stories.”
The group lasts an hour, and then lunch is served. My number is called, and I am given a cup of fruit juice, two slices of bread wrapped with table utensils, a main dish of breaded chicken with fried rice and string beans, and an apple for dessert.
After good conversation and good lunch served exactly at noon, I say goodbye to all my new friends. I promise to return for breakfast and lunch, and the activities of the next day – I even sign up for an exercise group and a ballroom dance class! I also signed up for a college course at the center – the Psychology of Aging.
I also put my name in for a birthday party in the month of my birthday $2 for food, entertainment, and a small gift. What a great deal!
I pay 75 cents for breakfast, and $1 for lunch. On Fridays I can get a take-home meal of roast beef, roasted potatoes, bread, margarine, peas and carrots, and an orange for dessert – all for $1!
I am now thinking about becoming a volunteer at the center. I want to help others feel as welcome there as I did. The center is truly a Godsend for me and my fellow seniors. It makes it easier for me to bear the loss of my late husband.
I tell all my friends who are just now starting to retire that they should join these centers, and they can come as often or as little as they want to.
Where can you get a three-course meal for a $1 these days? AND share the company of your peers in an interesting, safe place close to home?
This is truly a second home for me, and my children do not have to worry if I am bored or lonely.
To find a senior center near you, call the city’s information line at 311.
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The many senior centers in the Bay area have an array of offerings to help seniors stay healthy spry.
Here’s a sampling of the activities that are offered daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the center:
Yoga, Tai Chi, and aerobics Reflex therapy Ballroom and Line Dancing Lectures by physicians, nutritionists, social workers, and nurses on basic nutrition, arthritis, dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns Free screenings for vision, hearing, and blood pressure sponsored by local elected officials Special speakers to explain the maze of medical insurance.Added note of interest: The Visiting Nurse Service of New York City has just opened a new office at 1630 Kings Highway. For details on arranging a visiting nurse for yourself or a loved one, call the Manhattan office at 212- 609-7500 or 212- 609- 6100.
