But the Chicago cafe, which could easily be mistaken for a large Starbucks, is dating more than that, serving as a community hub, mostly for older people, with dozens of classes on speed like flower arranging, Egyptian history and digital safety.
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In her six years as a member, Pat Knazze, 66, has taken line dancing and piano lessons and participated in over 50 seminars via Skype, including architecture classes speed helped her qualify as a neighborhood docent. As she ages, Charlottesville. Knazze has also found another expected benefit: a caring group of neighbors who serve as a kind of substitute family.
Knazze, who is divorced. I have multiple families that nurture me. To appeal to baby boomers like Ms. Knazze, many community senior centers are getting up-to-date makeovers. There are about 11, senior centers in the United States, according to the National Dating on Aging.
They are increasingly offering everything from top-flight gyms to speed-dating sessions, wine tastings and Apple support groups. Many are also shedding their names so that they can evolve beyond being seen as just places to play bingo. The senior center in Rochester, Minn. Another in Minnesota is now Lakeville Heritage Center; it has yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes — and a motorcycle club.
The laggards will catch up or go away. Classes, aimed at adults 50 and older, include wellness, lifelong learning, fitness and entertainment. Innovative classes are devoted to edgier subjects like sexual identity and virtual reality. Fees are donation-only. Leary said. So far, people from cities have attended and more than 40 other cafes have popped up, Ms. The sunny 60,square-foot building has perks like an infinity edge pool, underwater treadmill and a hot tub.
There is also a seat movie theater, banquet rooms with full kitchens and an outdoor cafe with a grill. For Wilfred Sanchez, 69, The Summit has become his home away from home. A Vietnam veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange, Mr. Sanchez has post-traumatic stress disorder and nerve diseases. Sanchez, who is also a retired information technology instructor. Sanchez and his wife also visit the center to go to the movies, eat lunch and socialize with other veterans.
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Firman charlottesville the National Council on Aging says his goal is to transform the typical senior center into more of a longevity hub. Firman said. Many people are read more by the challenges of living longer, Mr.
The Senior Center in Charlottesville, Va. The center also offers lots of ways to free dating sites around, including singles gatherings, travel partner matches and three bands that members can join. There are also fitness classes, hiking programs and pickleball. Thompson said. The goal, he added, is creating centers that help people feel ageless. So a new center including features like a mind-body studio aimed at active adults is being planned.
Hansie Haier, 65, goes to the senior center often to socialize. She takes line dancing, yoga and tai chi. Haier, who is single, also teaches a weekly writing group there. Haier, a retired psychiatric nurse who now writes short stories.
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A good center helps keep the brain functioning. But new forms of social engagement are emerging in the digital world. Skip to content Main Press Room.