Older Americans Month: Aging Unbound

The Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month every May. This year’s theme is “Aging Unbound,” which encourages flexible thinking about aging and highlights the advantages of keeping older adults engaged and included.

The City of Westerville recognizes the importance of incorporating age-friendly components into existing and future development and resources. As part of its Age-Friendly Initiative, the City has provided planning, policies, services and support structures that enable Westerville residents to remain active and connected as they age. These systems enable older adults to be more connected with services to further enhance their quality of life and ability to age in place.

Westerville Parks and Recreation plays a significant role in providing recreational programs, resources and support services to Westerville’s older adults age 55 and over. The south wing of the Westerville Community Center is bustling with daily activities that include lively card games, fitness, arts and craft classes, day trips, and services like tax preparation and downsizing assistance. Nutritious lunches are offered on site on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Transportation is another vital service for older adults offered through the Community Center, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and community connections. With a program pass, transportation can be requested to and from the Community Center, medical appointments and grocery stores. Additionally, older adults can access on-demand COTA//Plus ride services for reduced fares. Rides can be booked through the free mobile app or by calling (614) 308-4400.

Fifteen dedicated staff members manage the daily operations of the community center’s older adult programs and services.

“We do our best to provide these important recreational services to the older adults of Westerville because, for a lot of the folks who come in, this is the only social time or physical activity they engage in on any given day,” said Katie Sass, Older Adults Manager for Parks and Recreation. “This could be the only nutritious meal they eat all week.”

For the staff at the Community Center, there is more to the job than just offering recreational programs and services for visitors and participants. It is about providing a space for older adults to call their own and engage with each other.

“Our visitors and passholders are so appreciative of the services that we provide for them and it’s great to see them utilize those services for their mental, physical and social well-being,” said Sass.

For more information on programs and services, visit www.westerville.org/olderadult or call (614) 901-6560. A full list of current classes can be found in the Older Adult section beginning on page 54.

Healthy and Active Living

The Westerville Community Center partners with SilverSneakers®, the nation’s leading community fitness program for older adults, promoting active living through physical and social engagement. Eligible participants receive a monthly pass at no cost that grants access to the fitness area, walking track and indoor pool complex. A limited number of free fitness and water aerobics classes are offered for SilverSneakers® pass holders. See page 55-56 for details.

OLDER ADULTS SERVICE by the Numbers (2022)

SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM PASS HOLDERS: 1,925

MEALS SERVED: 12,412

PROGRAMS: 921

PROGRAM ENROLLMENTS: 7,208

SILVER SNEAKERS PASSES: 2,862

SENIORS TRANSPORTED: 3,358