News
September 17, 2007
Aging In Place Initiative Recognizes Senior Adult Program
The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Adult Program has been recognized for best practices by the Aging in Place Initiative.
Aging in Place is an initiative of Partners for Livable Communities and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. It was developed to help America’s communities prepare for the aging of their population and to become places that are good to grow up, live and grow old in.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Adult Program was cited for being among the programs nationwide that best demonstrates efforts to improve the livability of their communities. The Senior Adult Program’s recognition is featured on the website of the Aging in Place Initiative at www.aginginplaceinitiative.org.
The Senior Adult Program is one of the most extensive programs of its kind in the country. It offers a variety of sports and recreational activities, along with countless day and overnight trips, educational seminars, workshops, volunteer opportunities and more.
The Aging in Place Initiative mentioned the organizational structure of the Senior Adult Program as a most outstanding feature. Rather than having a single senior center for the entire community, the participants of the program are divided into local clubs. There are currently 49 clubs. These clubs are essentially chapters of the program that manage their own memberships and designate one individual as their club leader. Club leaders meet frequently with the Senior Adult Program Director Steve White, who provides information about new resources, activities or events that may interest the clubs. The Senior Adult Program makes it easy for seniors to either join a club in their own neighborhood or a club that focuses on a certain activity. Seniors participating in the clubs can network and meet other seniors while having access to community resources.
The Senior Adult Program partners with several other City of Raleigh departments, local organizations and businesses to offer more services and hold events. This year, the program's annual holiday celebration, sponsored by a partnership of the City and area businesses, is expected to draw between 1,200 and 1,400 seniors.
For more information about the Senior Adult Program of the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, contact 831-6640 or visit www.parks.raleighnc.gov.
FACTS (courtesy of www.aginginplaceinitiative.org)
- By 2030, nearly one in five Americans -- 71.5 million people -- will be over age 65.
- Older adults participating in weekly arts programs reported better health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage.
Prepared by:
John Boyette
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
Steve White
Senior Adult Program Supervisor
Parks and Recreation Department
2401 Wade Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-831-6851
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