Programs

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Fitness Programs

The Fitness Programs at the Groton Senior Center promote and maintain the physical abilities of participants and also group classes offer a chance to socialize with other class members and provide mental stimulation through music and physical motion.  Class sizes range from small Qi Gong classes to large Cardio Sculpt classes.

Music Programs

The music programs at the center provide an opportunity for seniors to develop their skills in music whether it is learning to read music, sing in harmony or learning to play piano.  The choruses also take a leadership role in the community by going out to entertain at adult day centers, nursing facilities and schools.

Education/Enrichment

Programs in this category provide seniors with time to learn new skills in the areas of the arts, technology, health and more.  Through education the seniors develop and help maintain their mental abilities as well as support their self-esteem and creative needs.  Class sizes are small to medium.

Cards/Games

A variety of choices for group play and individual play.  Promotes mental stimulation and provides for socialization.  Research has shown that Bingo and other games are good for the brain.  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

These are events often attached to meals that are offered to provide socialization and entertainment for seniors.  Most events have a meal or food attached to them. These include the afternoon teas, monthly birthday/anniversary parties, special breakfasts, club gatherings, dinner and movie nights, annual Gnog Show (formerly Gong Show), annual Great American Picnic, Luau, Thanksgiving Dinner, Holiday dinner and Rotary dinners.  A regional dinner dance is held annually also to allow for socializing with friends from the other towns in the county.

Community Service Programs

These programs offer the seniors an opportunity to take a leadership role in community involvement either through sponsoring a community event or by participating in the community event.

Health Services

These services are provided to help seniors age at home and stay as well as possible.  Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the programs.

Nutrition Services 

In addition to health services, the nutrition programs offer the opportunity for improved nutrition for participants and also in some cases a way to socialize with other seniors in small to large groups.

Human Service programs

These programs also support seniors aging in place.  They promote individual self-efficacy in making better choices and decisions about their individual needs.

Transportation Services

These programs support aging in place and allow seniors to stay active in their community and at the center.

    Here are some suggestions for PREVENTING FALLS in the winter:

    Here are some suggestions for PREVENTING FALLS in the winter:
     Allow enough time to get where you are going. The chances of falling increase when you rush; use less caution.
     Exercise caution when getting into and out of vehicles. Always hold securely to a door or another person.
     Take the path of least resistance. Look for the safest route to your location, including the paths into buildings.
     Ask for help. Ask someone to help you navigate slippery or unsafe paths.
     Concentrate on the path ahead. Take your time and walk slowly & deliberately. Wear appropriate footwear.
     Wear footwear with rough-textured soles that provide good grip in all conditions.
     Use handrails when they are provided. Holding securely to a handhold can prevent a fall if you should slip.

    “GOING FOR THE GOLD” FITNESS CHALLENGE

    Start your new year with this fun challenge in honor of the 2020 Olympics! Anyone with a wearable fitness tracker can participate! You just need to be able to track the number of steps you take each day and show that to the front desk. So for the month of January, keep track of your steps. Bring your cell phone in each day and show the front desk.
    You CAN track your weekends too! Six Bronze Medal winners – those who total 6,000 steps per day or 180,000 steps for the month will be eligible for a drawing of Senior Center hats! Two Silver Medal winners – those who total 8,000 steps per day or 240,000 steps for the month will be eligible for a drawing of a free fitness class! One Gold Medal winner – those who total 10,000 steps per day or 300,000 steps for the month will be eligible for a drawing of a free fitness class AND a free fitness center membership.
    You can sign up with the front desk and start your steps January 1.

    Driving in Snow/Sleet/Ice

    We care about YOU! If you must drive in Snow/Sleet/Ice:
     
    • Drive Slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
    • Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stop light. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
    • Increase Your Following Distance To Five To Six Seconds. The increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
    • Know Your Brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
    • Don’t Stop If You Can Avoid It. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
    • Don’t Power Up Hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make you wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
    • Don’t Stop Going Up A Hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
    • Equip Yourself With A Pair Of Sunglasses. Much needed to reduce the glare of the sun and snow blindness.

    Weather Cancellations

    Snow cancellations and early closings are on the following stations:  Television–Channel 2, WFSB Channel 3, Radio Stations WNLC (98.7), WICH (1310 am), WCTY (97.7) and K-HITS (100.9).

    Closing includes the Fitness Center and Coastal Café. If schools are delayed, the  center will open at 8:30 & transportation will start at 9am.  If you are not sure, please call the center. The center will not reopen until the parking lot and sidewalks are plowed for your safety.

    CALL BEFORE YOU GO Info Line is 860-445-2989.

     

    Volunteers Needed:

    Tuesday, December 17th- Holiday Luncheon

    Monday, December 30th- Undeck the Halls