Celebrate the Success of Senior Centers This September
Across the country, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) work in partnership with senior centers to support the social engagement, health and wellness of older adults. Whether it's access to congregate meals, physical activity classes or other opportunities to connect with community resources, senior centers enhance the lives of older adults with meaningful connections.
Senior centers are a widely used resource for older adults in America, with over 11,000 senior centers serving more than one million older adults every year. The National Council on Aging, a long-standing partner of the Engaged Resource Center, spearheads National Senior Center Month every year. In this blog post, in recognition of National Senior Center Month, we share examples of how senior centers provide social engagement opportunities.
Innovative Program Examples from the Social Engagement Innovations Hub
Below are three programs from the Social Engagement Innovations Hub that offer replicable examples of social connection programs to inspire and inform your organization’s social engagement efforts.
Curry Senior Center Peer Outreach Program: Based in the central neighborhoods of San Francisco, this program pairs trained peer support specialists with current clients of the Curry Senior Center and other community service providers to reduce social isolation and loneliness among participants.
Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in the Elderly (UPSLIDE): Developed by the Tallahassee Senior Center to combat loneliness, isolation and depression among older adults through no-cost services. UPSLIDE provides older adult participants with no-cost therapy for depression, anxiety and trauma; opportunities for meaningful social interaction through its Friends Connection groups, special events and outings; and access to more than 180 activities and programs.
Club 99: Offered by the Erie County Department of Senior Services, in Buffalo, NY, Club 99 is an exercise and resistance program to engage older adults in group fitness and provide regular connection. Club 99 utilizes volunteer instructors who are older adults trained by the Erie County professional, certified Wellness/Fitness staff to conduct the classes in the more than 30 senior centers across the county.
For more details on the programs described above and ideas on how to collaborate with senior centers to provide social engagement programming, visit the Social Engagement Innovations Hub.
Additional Information and Resources on Senior Centers
To learn more about the role of senior centers and how to build strong local partnerships, explore these resources:
NCOA Senior Center Fact Sheet: For a quick snapshot of what a senior center does and who they serve.
National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC): Hosted by NCOA, NISC supports senior centers through technical assistance, advocacy, research and national standards for senior centers.
Four Reasons to Partner with a Senior Center for Evidence-Based Programming and Beyond: This NCOA article highlights how community-based organizations can engage with their local senior centers to strengthen outcomes for older adults.
Celebrating Senior Centers: Strengthening Community Connections: This U.S. Administration for Community Living blog post explains the role senior centers play in supporting the health and wellness of older adults.
Promoting Social Engagement in Senior Centers: Local Examples and Looking Ahead: Hosted by the Engaged Resource Center, this webinar explores unique examples of senior centers promoting social connection within their communities.
Stay tuned for more information on the 2026 National Senior Center Month on the NCOA webpage.