Exercise and social interaction are the forces that power the senior community in the eastern Washington city of Spokane. Several regional senior activity centers as well as many cultural activities are designed to meet the needs of the older than 65 set.
History
Spokane's Southside Senior Activity Center has been around for 25 years. The city's Parks and Recreation Department and the Water/Hydroelectric Department donated adjoining land, and community donations helped build the center on Spokane's South Hill district. The more centrally located Sinto Senior Activity Center is the city's original facility. It opened in 1958 as the second facility in the state that focused on the needs of senior citizens. Corbin Senior Activity Center on the historic Corbin Center estate near downtown enjoys 40 years of history serving seniors. The Hillyard Senior Center, in Spokane's northeast region, and Mid-City Concerns Senior Center downtown also share a history of meeting the needs of Spokane's senior population.
Types
If you enjoy learning new skills or fine-tuning those you already have, Spokane's senior centers offer plenty of classes. Spanish, cooking, writing and even tap dancing are just some of the available classes. Through an arts program especially for seniors in Spokane called Project Joy, you can participate in a choir group. Keep your body fit and limber with the many physical activities offered at area Senior Activity Centers, such as golf or tai chi. Keep your brain sharp by participating in games such as Mexican train, cribbage and pinochle.
Features
Traveling with a group is an excellent way to make friends and be active. From visiting museums such as Spokane's Museum of Arts and Culture to excursions to area farms to purchase fresh produce, traveling with a group of other seniors saves gasoline and allows you to focus on socializing instead of driving. Senior activity centers and other area senior groups organize longer trips, too.
Benefits
A 20-year project by the New England Journal of Medicine supports the idea that seniors who challenge their brains with board games, writing for pleasure and playing musical instruments are less likely to develop such elderly health problems as dementia. Physical activities as well, including swimming, dancing, and golf reduce the incidence of dementia as people age.
Warning
Keep your natural energy and current fitness level in mind when joining other seniors. If you know your limitations and choose activities judiciously, you can enhance your health gently over time rather than run the risk of injury. Also, while joining others in your age group is comfortable, consider challenging yourself to reach beyond those boundaries too. Spokane offers volunteer opportunities for seniors, such as teaching English to newcomers. You could also join one of the many Spokane book groups with a diverse mix of members. Interacting with people of differing ages and backgrounds can positively contribute to your mental and physical health.
