More than just bingo at senior centers
Jul 18, 2024
by Kristen Guglielmo, Queens Chronicle
As temperatures rise in Queens, so does the allure of its senior centers. Bustling with a variety of summertime activities, whether it’s a lively game of bingo in the comfort of air conditioning or time in the great outdoors, these facilities, also known as older adult centers, not only provide relief from the heat, but also serve as vibrant hubs of socialization and fun.
The city Department for the Aging estimates that there are more than 300 older adult centers and affiliated sites throughout the city, providing healthy meals, fun activities, classes, fitness programs and social services. Membership at these centers is free and open to New Yorkers ages 60 and older. A full list of centers can be found at nyc.gov/site/dfta.
Studies have shown that older adults report feeling healthier, more positive and less socially isolated after becoming members of an OAC, according to the agency.
Services Now for Adult Persons, known as SNAP, has two older adult centers: Eastern Queens, at 80-45 Winchester Blvd. in Queens Village, and another at 133-33 Brookville Road in Rosedale.
Both sites provide meals, transportation, case assistance services and wellness groups and activities. Enrollees can look forward to holiday celebrations, birthday parties, bingo, music, day trips and volunteer opportunities.
The Brookville location, the smaller of the two, offers discussion groups, arts and crafts, jewelry making, computer classes, light exercises and creative writing, according to snapqueens.org. Those are offered at the Eastern Queens location too, as well as music therapy, blood pressure monitoring, mindfulness and meditation.
“For the months of July and August, we’re planning to do a lot of in-person activities,” Nina Bhola, the director of the SNAP Eastern Queens Older Adult Center, told the Chronicle. “We anticipate a hot summer, so we want the members to stay as cool as possible.”
Recently, the seniors went on a day trip to City Island in the Bronx to visit a museum, have a meal and enjoy a day of nice weather, Bhola said.
“We’re doing a casino-themed prom for our seniors next Friday at a local restaurant,” she said. The seniors will dress up and vote for prom king and queen.
Then, on an August day still to be determined, the center will have its annual luau, which offers live dancers, food and music. The staffers said the seniors look forward to the event every year.
Cathy Cahn, the director of the Brookville location, said, “We did a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ program. We have a picnic at the plaza, which is a potluck with carnival games, coming up this Friday. … There’s always lots of programs throughout the day.”
She added that the picnic is an indoor program because it sometimes can get too hot for the seniors to be outdoors.
“We do play bingo,” Cahn said. “But we’re not defined by that. We’re much more than just bingo — although the seniors are always happy with that kind of game.”
“The main focus is socialization,” said Marian Lewek, SNAP’s chief operating officer. “So even though the seniors may be learning a craft, or taking part in an educational workshop on diversity, the main focus is that they have an opportunity to be in a cool location where they have opportunities to talk to one another.”
She added, “Whether it’s formal, in a women’s discussion group or a men’s discussion group, or informal just sitting at tables, they’re not alone. They feel supported. They feel recognized and they feel valued by being together here.”
Some older adults may be apprehensive to visit a senior center, and some caregivers may be hesitant as well. Asked what she would say to naysayers, Cahn said, “It’s like a family, everybody’s very intimate, and people are happy to be here, it really becomes their way of life, their day-to-day and week-to-week. And I always encourage people to come and see what they’re missing out on by not coming.”
Lewek added, “We really work hard to meet the needs of the senior wherever they are. If they come to the center, they get a sense of how it is. It’s very hard over the phone — you get a much better understanding when you’re there in the center.”
The Middle Village Adult Center, at 69-10 75 St., is another option for seniors seeking care and entertainment. The location offers the basics found at most older adult centers, and also offers additional activities such as knitting, crocheting, watercolor and multimedia painting and mahjong.
Seniors looking to enjoy the great outdoors can participate in fitness picnics at Forest Park, according to Rabbi Richard Levy, the center’s executive director.
“We offer something for everyone,” he told the Chronicle.
The center offers weekly fitness classes in Forest Park and Juniper Valley Park. And during the warmer months, older adults can participate in a variety of guided outdoor activities.
On Tuesdays, from 10 to 11 a.m., residents can take an invigorating morning walk in Forest Park with instructor Debbi. After the walk, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., participants can engage in chair yoga to relax, rejuvenate and recharge.
On Thursdays through Aug. 29, seniors can participate in tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Juniper Valley Park.
“He’s outstanding,” Levy said of the tai chi instructor, Gerard. “He’s really very, very good. He’s been associated with us for a number of years. He attracts people and he has real energy.”
Levy also boasted that the location receives compliments on its lunch offerings. “Our lunches are very well-known and popular, with taste and quality,” he said, noting that they are free, with a $4 suggested contribution.
Information on other events can be found at middlevillageadultcenter.com.
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens boasts multiple older adult centers with a variety of unique activities. Recently, the Howard Beach Older Adult Center had a “save your breath” workshop with discussions on respiratory health and lung-detoxifying foods. The Bayside location recently had an art exhibition showcase to show off members’ talents.
Other locations include Ozone Park, Hillcrest, Catherine Sheridan in Jackson Heights and Peter J. DellaMonica in Astoria. A full list of the group’s older adult centers can be found at its website, ccbq.org/older-adult-centers.
The HANAC, or Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee, Ravenswood Senior Center provides activities and programming for individuals ages 60 and over residing in the New York City Housing Authority’s Ravenswood Housing Development and the surrounding community.
Seniors at Ravenswood’s center, located at 34-35A 12 St. in Astoria, can take morning group walks, called “walk-a-thons.” And on Wednesdays, the seniors get the opportunity to go on a shopping trip. A full schedule can be found at the Department for the Aging’s website or hanac.org.
Read the original story in The Queens Chronicle: More than just bingo at senior centers