Last month I turned 58 and decided to visit the senior center in my town (Northampton, MA). Technically, 60 qualifies as a full senior but I’m in the “honorary and welcome” senior category.

I went because I knew that a Tai Chi instructor who had worked at my studio was teaching there and seniors could attend her classes for free. I also wanted to find out more about the programs and services that were offered.

When I talk with my clients. - or really anyone in their 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s - about the senior center, they immediately tell me all the reasons why NOT to go “there”. Some of these reasons include:

1. It’s just for old people and I don’t want to hang out with old people

2. There’s nothing interesting to do there, the activities are too simple / basic

3. The classes or programs are too expensive

4. I don’t know anyone there and/or It’s too political or “cliquey”

These are the main categories of reasons I’ve heard from people but the list goes on and if you’re in the 60+ age range, I’m sure that you have your own reason to not go.

When I went to the senior center, this was my experience, and WHY I WOULD GO (rebutting each reason above):

1. There were a wide range of people there, many of whom were not “old” and ironically, the woman at the front desk said that there were far more younger seniors using the center than older ones.

   There definitely were some people who were moving slowly and I would have considered them to be older, but more of the people I saw were active, healthy people taking advantage of the classes or activities that were being offered.

2. There was an incredibly extensive list of activities and classes available to choose from, which led me to believe that there really was something for everyone.

   There were classes involving physical activities, various forms of art, sewing and knitting groups, lectures and guest speakers on a variety of topics, games, food and more.

3. Most of the programs and classes were free or were very low cost (i.e., $3 - $5).

4. We are going to get what we put out … meaning, if we go in with a friendly, good attitude and expect people to be kind to us, most of the time that’s what we’re going to find. That’s my experience anyway.

   There will always be some people who will not fit this description, and that’s OK. Those are not the type of people you want to hang out with anyway. Find your people and enjoy them!

I obviously can’t speak for every senior center and the one in my town is quite nice, but I can encourage you to know what your senior center has to offer and take advantage of what appeals to you.

One of my clients in Easthampton said that she spent $60 for an event that she later found out her senior center had free tickets to. She didn’t have to hang out at the center to get the tickets, she just had to be a member AND know about the free tickets before she bought them.

Senior is a term meaning older and more experienced. Why not take advantage of that experience and let yourself benefit from your senior status? I did and am excited about it, and I do not feel old!

Action Steps:

• If you’re not already a member of your senior center, consider dropping in and finding out what they have to offer.

• Let yourself join if you’re old enough and get their weekly or monthly newsletter keeping you up to date on offerings that might interest or help you.

• Be brave and feel young if you use the center. It’s not just for old people!!