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Senior centers are valuable resources for older adults looking to maintain an active, engaged, and healthy lifestyle. They are used by a wide range of seniors, from those seeking social connections and educational opportunities to those needing health and wellness support. If you’re considering a senior center, it’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and access resources that promote overall well-being.

Types of Activities Offered at Senior Centers:

• Physical Activities: Exercise classes (e.g., yoga, tai chi), walking clubs, dancing, or fitness programs tailored to seniors’ needs.
• Social Events: Group lunches, outings, movie nights, holiday celebrations, or game nights.
• Educational Programs: Computer classes, art workshops, language courses, or seminars on topics like health, finance, or retirement.
• Health and Wellness Services: Health screenings, fitness programs, nutrition workshops, or mental health support.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities to assist with center activities or community events.

1. Older Adults (Seniors):
   • Senior centers are primarily used by older adults who are looking for a place to engage socially, stay active, and access resources. Many of these individuals may be retired or have free time during the day and are looking for opportunities to socialize, learn new things, or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2. People Seeking Social Connection:
   • Seniors who are experiencing loneliness or isolation can benefit from the social environment of a senior center. These centers provide a space for older adults to meet new people, form friendships, and engage in group activities that reduce feelings of isolation.
3. Active Seniors:
   • Many seniors who are still physically and mentally active use senior centers to engage in fitness programs, hobby groups, educational classes, and other stimulating activities that help maintain their health and well-being.
4. Seniors with Specific Health or Social Needs:
   • Some senior centers offer specialized programs for seniors with chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis, diabetes) or disabilities. They may also provide access to resources like counseling, support groups, or assistance with navigating healthcare services.
5. Caregivers:
   • Senior centers can be a valuable resource for caregivers of older adults, offering support groups, respite care, and educational programs to help them manage the responsibilities of caregiving.
6. Low-Income Seniors:
   • Some senior centers offer services and programs tailored to low-income seniors, such as meals, transportation assistance, and financial counseling. These centers can be an important lifeline for those who may not have access to other resources.
7. Seniors Interested in Lifelong Learning:
   • Many senior centers offer educational classes on a variety of topics, including arts and crafts, computer skills, history, languages, and more. These classes are often designed to help seniors continue learning and exploring new interests.
8. Seniors Looking for Volunteer Opportunities:
   • Senior centers often encourage older adults to volunteer in the community, whether it’s helping with events, leading a class, or contributing to local charities. Volunteering can provide seniors with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
9. Seniors Seeking Transportation Assistance:
   • For seniors who may no longer be able to drive, some senior centers offer transportation services to and from the center, as well as to medical appointments, grocery stores, or other essential destinations.

It’s important to update your will in certain life situations to ensure that it accurately reflects your wishes. Here are some key events when you should consider updating your will:

1. Marriage or Divorce:
   • Marriage: If you get married, your spouse should be included in your will, and any previous provisions may need to be changed.
   • Divorce: If you divorce, you may want to remove your ex-spouse as a beneficiary or revise other provisions related to them.
2. Having Children or Adding Dependents:
   • When you have children or if you take on the responsibility for other dependents, you’ll need to name guardians and possibly adjust your asset distribution.
3. Changes in Financial Situation:
   • If you experience significant changes in your financial situation, such as acquiring or selling a major asset, receiving a large inheritance, or having substantial debts, it may be time to update your will.
4. Changes in Relationships:
   • If someone close to you (e.g., a family member or friend) passes away, or if you have a falling out with someone you initially included in your will, you may need to revise your will accordingly.
5. Relocation to a Different State or Country:
   • Wills are governed by local laws, so moving to a different jurisdiction may affect the validity or terms of your current will. You may need to update it to comply with new legal requirements.
6. Changes in Your Executor or Beneficiaries:
   • If your chosen executor becomes unavailable or if you want to change beneficiaries (perhaps due to changes in relationships or preferences), updating your will ensures everything is in order.
7. Retirement:
   • After retirement, you might want to revisit your will to account for any changes in your goals for asset distribution and ensure your plans are still aligned with your needs.
8. Health Changes:
   • If you experience significant health changes, it may be a good time to revisit your will and potentially add instructions for end-of-life care or medical decisions (this could also be covered in a living will or medical directive).

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to review your will every 3 to 5 years, even if there aren’t any major life changes. Keeping it up to date ensures that your wishes are accurately reflected.

If you’re in the process of updating or creating a will, you may also want to consult with a lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound!

Old Lyme Town Hall

To register, call (860)434-1605 ext. 241 or email seniorcenter@oldlyme-ct.gov
Must be a member to register; all classes meet once a week