Loneliness has become a national epidemic according to the U.S. Surgeon General. As reported by the Journal of American Medical Association Network (JAMA), more than half of U.S. older adults ages 50 to 80 years feel lonely and socially isolated.
Loneliness and social isolation are associated with poor physical and mental health, unemployment, and disability. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), the consequences of loneliness and isolation can lead to chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, and other serious health problems.
One way for older adults to combat loneliness is to stay connected through local social service agencies, libraries, community, and senior centers, suggests the NIH. In Somerset County, the senior wellness centers provide an ideal place for older adults to socialize as proven by testimonials from Somerset County-operated senior wellness center clients.
“My older years have been predominantly lonely until I joined the senior center,” shared a Montgomery Senior Center client said. “Regularly attending the center helps me keep fit, healthy, and joyful all day.”
“I live alone, and the senior center provides me with a social life where I can enjoy talking to folks in my age group,” stated a Quail Brook Senior Center client. “I have met interesting people and have attended fascinating programs. The staff and other clients make me feel welcomed.”
“Attending the senior wellness center saved my life,” asserted another senior wellness center client. “I love it here.”
Not only do the senior wellness centers offer a place for socialization, but every month clients have access to new and recurring educational, health and wellness programs, resources to services, craft activities, special events, and guidance and support through the Office on Aging and Disability Services.
“We are proud of our senior centers, which offer so many great programs and themed activities,” said Office on Aging and Disability Services Executive Director Joanne Fetzko. “For February, we offer special Valentine’s crafting projects, parties, and interesting presentations about Black History Month.
“Plus, there are valuable recurring programs. For example, a mobile library, and case managers visit the centers monthly and we provide peer-led exercise programs. Nutritional lunches are available daily. We have a plethora of offerings.”
The six county-operated senior centers in Basking Ridge, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Skillman, Somerset, and Warren are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This month the senior wellness centers are closed on Feb. 6 and 7, for staff training, and Feb. 17, for Presidents Day.
Lunch
Attendees can invite a friend or neighbor to join them for lunch. All county-operated senior wellness centers provide a nutritionally balanced lunch Mondays through Fridays for a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone age 60 years and over. The menu includes a choice of hot meat-based or meatless entrées or cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunches. Senior wellness center clients must make reservations for lunch by 10 a.m. on the previous business day.
Hybrid and Virtual Program Guidelines
Hybrid programs are available in person with an instructor or via Zoom and noted on the schedule. Participants can join Zoom programs through a web browser without downloading applications or software, but a camera (audio and video) is required for all Zoom programs.
