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/GamesA 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.

    New Technology – Content by Judy

    How it can assist us in ways we never imagined!!
    At every age we want to feel safe and independent. And as we age those around us become more and more concerned about our wellbeing. With today’s technology there are devices that can help us know what’s going on around us, monitor what we are doing, learn from us and help us.
    Doorbells now can have wi-fi cameras so with your smart phone you can see who is at the door and you can talk to them.
    Thermostats can be programmed and hooked to your Wi-Fi. They can learn when you are home or away and adjust the temperature. You can adjust the thermostat with your smart phone.
    Smart phones can do a huge number of tasks from making phone calls, storing information, reminding you to do any number of things. They have calendars, timers, alarms, calculators, cameras plus more. A smart phone is actually a full-fledged computer that you put in your pocket! They can connect to any number of devices using your wi-fi.
    Home Security System – smart sensors and security cameras can be set up inside or outdoors. With wi-fi we can see if anyone or anything is out there. Used indoors our loved ones can see if we are ok, up and about. They can track activity, the fridge door, the medicine cabinet. Some you can even talk to.
    Smart speakers are great because they respond to our voice. We can ask “what time is it” “play the Beatles” “what’s the joke of the day” or any question. Of course, the speaker is not going to always know the answer. The speaker can remind you to take your meds, an appointment, etc.
    Timers – as simple as turning the living room light on every evening and then again in the morning. To those passing by it looks as if someone is home. For us its light when we get up and go to bed and reduces the change of tripping.
    Smart TVs – who knew!! I can now talk to my TV. I don’t even need to know the channel that the game is on. I just say, “Patriots game” and it shows me. The TV also shows me who’s calling me on my phone before the phone rings.
    Emergency pendants – We all remember “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” commercials now they can also detect falls. The device knows if you fall and alerts the company. Plus, we can activate these devises, tell them what has happened and get help.
    Tracking chips can be attached to the dog’s collar, so we know where he ran off to. Put on our key rings so we can find them, and we can have them in our loved one’s pocket so if they get lost, we can find them. We could even attach it to their smart phone, emergency pendant or key ring even.
    Smart pillbox – medicine reminders, dispensers – notifies a smart phone if you forgot to take your pills or if you take the wrong ones. And who doesn’t forget to take their meds from time to time!
    Now why might I need some of these things?
    To be and feel safe
    To be able to get help if I need it
    To be independent
    Not such bad things….
    Now let’s reassess how we feel about all of this…..

    NIANTIC TOASTMASTERS – Monday, December 17th

    Talented speakers will regale you with Christmas stories to help you get into the Holiday Spirit!

    Mon, December 17th at 11:45am

    Must register. $5 Fee for lunch

    Lunch will be provided by the senior center.

    Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie, Salad, Roll and a Drink. You can register for the program without ordering lunch. Be sure to tell us if you are ordering lunch.

     

    Live in the now! – CONTENT BY JUDY

    Oh, I don’t have time.
    Nope I can’t afford it.
    It’s too expensive.
    Who will take care of the dog?
    I can’t because my husband, mother, sister isn’t feeling well.
    I have to be available for my grandchildren.
    There is no one else.
    Next time I will.
    Next year I will.
    After I retire I will.
    Yes, I really really want to but….
    Have you heard and or said these things?
    Is this what stops you from doing the things you dream about? The things you want to do?
    Is this what stops you from making that bucket list.
    Well you know what – there will come a time when you really won’t be able to do those things. It will be when your spouse or traveling partner is dead. When you have lost the ability to travel. When you truly have no money left because you gave it all to the kids.
    So, change all of those things. Stop being that person who always has a reason to not do something. Become the person who is out and about. The person executing the plans.
    My in-laws died before they could do any of the above things because they always had those reasons of why not to and unfortunately, they both died within 3 months of each other in their late 60’s.
    My husband and I learned to get out there and travel, remodel the house, visit relatives, learn new things, question our wants and needs.
    Live in the now. Don’t delay! Make your plans for 2019! Be present.
    And you know what you’ll be happier. You’ll enjoy life more. You’ll have new stories to tell. And you’ll find more things you can and want to do. Get out there and enjoy life.

    HOLIDAY CELEBRATION – Friday, December 28th

    Time: 11:45am

    Cost: $6pp

    Our own Joe & Rita will be making Baked Ziti with Sweet Italian Sausage, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, and Dessert. After lunch, the Valley Shore Acappella “Sweet Adelines” will perform at 12:30pm.

    Registration begins December 3rd.

    No Bingo today.