Programs

Programs – The Senior Center plans events on a monthly basis. Below is a listing for what generally occurs. For more details on events not listed below, check the Calendar Section and/or the News Section.

Fitness – Participants can trial any class without obligation. Please notify the Senior Center office if you are trialing a class.

All participants are encouraged to participate at their level of fitness/comfort. Any physical concerns are to be addressed to your personal physician. Questions about modifying the routines are to be directed to your instructor. All instructors are CPR certified and qualified in the class they are teaching.

Classes are Session Based: These classes will have a specific start and end date. Class sessions typically run for 3 months.

Music Classes – Ukulele and Guitar lessons. Explore your creative side and challenge yourself mentally by learning to play an instrument. Beginner level is offered as well as more advanced classes. Loaner instrument is available if needed.

Education/Enrichment Classes – Learn new skills in the areas of the arts, technology, health and more. Through education develop and help maintain your mental abilities as well as enhance your self-esteem and creative needs. Explore and develop your interests.

Cards/Games – A variety of choices for group play and individual play. Promotes mental stimulation and provides for socialization. They stimulate memory, attention skills and have great social interaction which works on many parts of the brain. Our games programs include a variety of levels from basic to more challenging options.

Social Scene – The Senior Center plans, often with meals, events that are offered to provide socialization and entertainment. Any excuse for a party is considered whether it be to celebrate a national holiday or just to have some fun.

Health Services – These services are provided to help older adults age at home and stay as well as possible. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the programs.

Nutrition Services – The Senior Nutrition Program, administered by TVCCA, offers nutritious meals on Tuesday and Thursday at 11:45am. You must register for a lunch at least 24 hours in advance.

    SENIOR CENTERS RECEIVE REOPENING GUIDANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGING & DISABILITY SERVICES

    Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

    The State of Connecticut is still in Phase 2 of reopening and the following measures are still in place:
    Capacity limit of 50% for most businesses that reopen.
    Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols in all settings.
    Those who can work from home should continue to do so.
    Those in high-risk groups (comorbidities) and over the age of 65 should continue to stay safe and stay home.
    Facemasks should continue to be worn in public at all times.
    Specific to Senior Centers are that outdoor events will be limited to 100 people. Indoor events will be limited to 50% of building capacity or 25 people per space (whichever is smaller). ALL participants must be logged in through a check-in process to support contract tracing. Programs are to be scheduled to allow for decreased congestion, and time to sanitize before the start of a new one. Café meal sites should not open at this time. Registration for any program must e advance. Any activity run by Senior Centers must maintain 6 ft of social distancing at all times.
    In short, a return to “normal” operation is not recommended at this time.

    EXTENDED RELIEF FOR MEDICARE PREMIUMS DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

    Posted on August 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an extended equitable relief period for
    beneficiaries who are unable to pay their premiums because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    CMS is still encouraging beneficiaries to pay their premiums on time, however, they are giving
    beneficiaries who are unable to pay due to the pandemic until September 30, 2020
    to pay their premiums without termination of their coverage.
    Beneficiaries with past due balances will receive a letter informing them of the September 30,
    2020 relief period end date.

    SPEAKING OF NUTRITION…

    Posted on August 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    Join Registered Dietitian, Alison Dvorak, for a virtual review of the healthy eating
    opportunities for older adults in Eastern CT and beyond. We will discuss programs
    funded by the Older Americans Act such as:
    Farmers Markets, Restaurants, SNAP, Grocery Delivery,
    and much more!
    Send in your questions before or during the event. Mark your calendar for Thu, August 20th at 2pm.
    This program is a free web-based event open to the public. Pre-registration is required at
    www.seniorresourcesec.org or 860-887-3561.

    HEAT SAFETY TIPS

    Posted on August 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    Extreme heat is a period of high heat & humidity with temperatures
    above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your
    body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can
    lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest
    number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
    Remember:
    Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
    Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at
    greater risk from extreme heat.
    Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a
    heat index.
    IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING:
    Find air conditioning. Avoid strenuous activities.
    Wear light clothing. Drink plenty of fluids.
    Check on family members and neighbors.
    Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and

    REOPENING AND PROGRAM PARTICIPATION SURVEY

    Posted on August 3, 2020 by East Lyme

    The Senior Center plans to scale up its operations beginning this Fall with an anticipated date of
    September 8th for resumption of some programs. This will happen in phases. With that in mind, please be
    aware that we will be following the recommended guidelines for “social distancing” and ask that everyone
    maintain 6ft between one another. In addition, everyone who enters the building will have to wear a mask.
    With this in mind, please answer the following questions. You can mail us your survey answers to East Lyme
    Senior Center at 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357. You can email your responses to us at
    cwilson@eltownhall.com or you can call us 860-739-5859. Whatever works for you but please take a moment to
    help us plan for the future. If you want us to mail you a hard copy, give us a call.
    1. When do you plan to return to the Senior Center?
    _____ As soon as it opens
    _____ Late Fall
    _____ Winter
    _____ Next Spring
    _____ Next Summer
    _____ Not until a vaccine is available
    _____ I am undecided at this time*
    * if undecided, please tell us your concern.
    2. Please indicate how you would prefer to participate in programs when we re-open:
    _____ In person at the Center with the understanding that class sizes will be limited
    _____ On-line using Zoom
    3. Would you take a class outside?
    _____ Yes
    _____ No
    4. Once on-site programs resume, ALL programs will require pre-registration. How would you prefer to do that?
    _____ In person
    _____ Over the phone
    5. Do you have the hardware (tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smart tv) in order to participate in programs
    virtually?
    _____ Yes
    _____ No
    Please leave any final comments/thoughts/concerns/questions you have for us:
    ______________________________________________________________________________________________
    ________________________________________________________________