The Lowell Senior Center, run by the Lowell Council on Aging, is a unique institution. It is the only organization of its kind in the city. Services range from nutrition programs to health screenings, to recreational activities, to transportation services. In addition, the center refers senior citizens to other services that could be beneficial, and provides information on general topics that are of interest to the senior citizen community.
Meals are served every day at the center. Breakfast is served on weekdays, free of charge. Hot lunches on weekdays and meals on weekends and other holidays are also available for a low price, if the recipient is able to pay. For those who cannot leave their home, the center coordinates a Meals on Wheels program, which delivers meals to eligible elderly citizens.
Health services, as well, are available. Once a month, seniors have the opportunity to schedule a podiatry appointment for $20. These appointments are especially important for some people, including those with diabetes, since diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to uncontrolled blood sugar) can cause problems with open wounds and sores in feet. addition, free blood pressures and body weights are taken by volunteer nurses from Commonwealth Nursing and the Visiting Nurses Association twice a week. Twice a month, the center hosts an “Ask the doctor” session, in which a local doctor answers seniors’ questions about health.
The Senior Center itself is open from 6:30 AM to 4 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 6:30 AM to 8 PM on Thursdays, and from 10 AM to 1 PM on weekends and holidays. There are 100 free parking spots outside the center, so don’t worry about having to find a meter. During these hours, seniors are welcome to enjoy the resources the center provides. The lounge area is an ideal place to “hang out,” with comfortable furniture, a large screen TV/VCR, a radio, and plenty of reading material. There is also a game room with shuffleboard, playing cards, board games, and cribbage games. And for the pool sharks out there there’s a pool room that is open during all hours the center operates. Other resources include an exercise room, complete with treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and other exercise equipment, and a branch of the Pollard Memorial Library. The Pollard is Lowell’s public library and its annex inside the center has computers as well as books and videotapes available for rental.
If you’re not one to just “drop in” to a place and immediately connect with people, the Lowell Senior Center has plenty of scheduled activities available. Want to show your prowess at bingo, cribbage, or whist? Come in for weekly games and tournaments (bingo is held twice weekly). Itching to share your musical talent with others? The talent group rehearses once a week and brightens other people’s days by performing for seniors in area nursing homes. Ready to show off your moves on the dance floor? Strut your stuff at regular dances. Just want to learn something new? The center offers classes in knitting and crocheting, quilting, social dancing, yoga, aerobics, and other topics. Discounted tickets are also available for local plays and concerts, and trips to local malls, restaurants, and other areas are sponsored regularly. For those who cannot make it over to the center regularly, the Council on Aging sponsors a telephone reassurance program. Participants receive a call once a day to chat and check up on any immediate needs the participant may have.
The Senior Center is also a great place to gather information on topics that are important to seniors. Monthly meetings sponsored by the AARP focus on important senior issues, such as health care and insurance. Local organizations, also, sponsor information sessions to discuss elder needs. Referral services are also available for those who are in need of home care or assistance with domestic chores, shoveling and lawn care. The center offers free tax preparation and help with prescription advantage programs. In addition, outreach workers can help you navigate food stamps, your housing search, Medicare, Mass Health, and Social Security. These services are also available through a Portuguese-speaking Outreach worker, who can also assist with immigration concerns. And finally, picture IDs area available so you can cash in on any discounts you might receive.
Whether you’re looking for advice, health care, a new skill, or more of a social life, there is always something happening at the Lowell Senior Center. Check it out at 276 Broadway Street, right next to the Rite-Aid.
SOURCES USED
Lowell Senior Center Website, http://www.lowellma.gov/depts/coa Lowell Senior Center Heritage: The Official Publication of the Lowell Council on Aging. March 2008.
