Mary P. Gustas, executive director of the Comstock Community Center, stresses that their senior programming and assisted services try to target a sense of wellness, fulfillment, happiness and renewed health. “Many studies have shown that the social isolation which often occurs as we grow older can cause depression and contribute to chronic disease conditions,” she says. “Bringing people together in a central location to participate in activities helps boost their overall well-being.”
Program offerings at Comstock Community Center include exercise classes that stimulate control, balance, physical stability and camaraderie. A health enhancement program based at the Portage Senior Center also connects to Comstock through a diabetic support group, plus there are other group sessions to help people deal with a debilitating disease, the death of a spouse or other major life changes which occur as we age.
From the more practical tax preparation assistance to the sheer social outlet of a day trip to a museum or an art exhibit, the community centers across Southwest Michigan have a plethora of programs available at no cost or minimal fees. “We even have extended two to twelve day trips for those age 55 plus,” notes Gustas. “Those special trips allow seniors to meet new people and experience activities or see sights they may have put off for a long time.”
Linda Grap, director of program development at Burnham Brook in Battle Creek says many program offerings are now geared toward the savvy senior, those who are active, engaged and involved. “From computer courses to craft classes and gourmet cooking, the range of educational and enrichment programs has expanded as the image of our older generation has changed dramatically,” Grap says. “People are living longer, they are more health conscious and do not want to be isolated or pigeon-holed into a stereotype. I see activities like our art classes at Burnham Brook as both social and spiritual, since the participants are learning how to express themselves and their emotions.”
Intergeneration programs are available at both Burnham Brook and Comstock. The connection with young people ranges from elders mentoring school age children to youth volunteers teaching computer classes and even family swim time with the grandkids. “Our intergenerational theatre troupe will be producing monthly readers' theatre programs that are free and open to the public. That's for the whole Battle Creek area,” Grap stresses. “We are trying to become more community-focused, not only providing services that address the needs of older adults. We want to encourage people throughout their lives to interact with people of all ages, not just relate older adult to older adult.”
Pilates, yoga, line dancing, aquatic fitness, water aerobics, interdenominational bible study and caregiver resource classes are among the listings at Burnham Brook. According to Linda Grap, “The stereotypical image of older people shuffling about or weaving potholders is not the image of our older adults now. They are more active, fitness-oriented and healthier than they were twenty years ago. Older adults are also working much longer and that's why our services, hours of operation and programs have changed dramatically.”
To learn more about the many program offerings at the Comstock Community Center, call 269-345-8556 or visit their web site at www.comstockcc.com. You may connect to Burnham Brook in Battle Creek via the web at www.burnhambrook.com or by calling 269-966-2566.
