The Center / Senior Center Inc

Recreation/social wellness - Center participants connected with others for social support, emotional wellness, and fun 2,340 times in recreation/social wellness programming. Offered five days a week, recreation programs combat social isolation, which is linked to poor health outcomes that include depression, high blood pressure, cognitive decline, and an increased likelihood of needing long-term care. Additionally, these programs are led by Center volunteers, which provides leaders with all The health benefits of volunteering.

Volunteer opportunities - not only does research show an impressive relationship between volunteering and good health, but it also suggests that The physical and mental benefits are greater for people 65 and older. 335 Center volunteers contributed 24,707 hours of service at The Center and at 40 nonprofits throughout our community. According to The Virginia office on volunteerism and community services, The economic impact of these volunteer service hours equates to over 805,103. Clinical studies show that seniors who volunteer are happier, have an increased sense of well- being, enjoy broader social networks, and live longer; 100% of volunteers surveyed at The Center reported feeling a sense of accomplishment and made new friends. With limited paid staffing, volunteers provide much of The labor required to run The Center, allowing us to keep The costs of programs and services low. These volunteers are also changing The way people think about older adults-using their talents and skills in myriad ways to better The community, seniors show they are active, involved, and essential.

Fitness/physical wellness - The Center offered over 60 recurring high quality, senior-appropriate fitness and physical wellness programs and dozens of single programs designed to improve or maintain The physical health of community participants so they can remain independent and enjoy a better quality of life. Members participated 26,532 times in fitness and physical wellness programs, which are created to be affordable, meet a wide range of ability levels, and preserve or increase functional fitness. Additionally, they help delay, decrease, or prevent chronic diseases-which account for 75% of u.s. health care spending and are The leading cause of death and disability in The u.s. In program evaluations, 96% of participants reported better flexibility, energy, and balance. 90% reported feeling more mentally alert and having made new friends.

Lifelong learning/intellectual wellness - this important programming enables participants to grow intellectually, spiritually, and/or creatively, and they did so 7,120 times. Neuroscientists and gerontologists have deemed lifelong learning essential to healthy aging; participants in these programs develop new skills and connect with others while gaining a broader understanding of The world. The Center offered over 76 recurring and stand-alone high-quality lifelong learning programs. In recent participant surveys, 99% reported that they learned something new and 98% said that they would put this knowledge to use. Arts, performing arts, and crafts - global studies link arts participation with positive cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes across The lifespan; its proven effectiveness and cost-effectiveness as a health promotion strategy offer incredible potential for community health. Members participated more than 7,246 times in over 100 Center arts, performing arts, and arts and crafts programming. Arts programming offers instruction and provides performance opportunities that encourage self- expression and creativity. Partner organization programs - The Center regularly partners with other community nonprofits to share limited resources and enhance The delivery of physical, intellectual, and/or social support services. Through partner programming, community participants can access a greater variety of services and activities that align with our region's public health priorities. Partner program collaborations include community support groups such as hospice of The piedmont, aarp's tax aide, evidence-based wellness programs offered with jaba, financial wellness programs in conjunction with cfa institute, and fitness and arts programming with charlottesville ballet, to name a few.