The stereotypical senior center is changing, with expanded programs and fitness opportunities being offered to a growing population of older adults. But these new models are expensive to operate and, increasingly, those who attend are being asked to help share the cost.
Membership fees are already standard in many of the newer government-run active adult centers in metro Atlanta, and at least one county will move from offering free services to a fee schedule in all of their senior centers next year.
Beginning in February, Cobb Senior Services will charge a $60 annual membership fee for county residents 60 and older using any of the eight centers. Seniors outside the county will be charged $90 a year. The membership includes educational programs such as lectures on health and finances, plus access to workout facilities, but other classes, trips and activities will cost more.
“Seniors are angry about this, but from an operational and fiscal standpoint, it is essential,” said Jessica Gill, director of Cobb Senior Services. “Seniors want all of the fitness equipment and opportunities, but the only way to provide that is to charge a fee.”
Blame it on the baby boomers.
Today’s newer centers have all the bells and whistles of a country club or private fitness facility. There are warm-water therapy pools to soothe achy joints, outdoor nature trails for walking, plus a full range of fitness equipment, fully equipped art rooms and even teaching kitchens to learn healthy cooking skills.
"Centers are being redefined by boomers, just as they have redefined everything else. And they want new models," said Forsyth County Senior Services director Ruthie Brew.
She said older adults are more likely to be “active, vital, sophisticated and affluent,” and they don’t like the “s” word. “We don’t even use the word ‘senior’ anymore,” Brew said.
They also don’t want to be segregated from other age groups. The current trend is to incorporate active adult centers into parks and recreation facilities, so older adults can have access to fitness equipment and classes, walking trails and the swimming pool but still have their own space. She said two models like this are in the county’s long-range plans.
That's the kind of center operated by the City of Smyrna Parks and Recreation. From the day it opened in 2009, the Aline Wolf Adult Recreation Center was a "BINGO-free zone," said senior recreation coordinator Jodi Mills.
The initial director wanted older adults to be active with their minds and bodies, she said. Mills has maintained that focus with programs such as brain aerobics, painting and drawing classes, and a full range of fitness opportunities for adults 55 and older. Members also have access to a warm-water therapy pool for classes and swimming.
Memberships are $25 a year for Smyrna residents, but that only gets you in the door. Classes and pool privileges cost extra.
In DeKalb County, active adults 55 and older can join the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia for a $120 annual membership fee. Members have access to a swimming pool, gym, hair salon and classes, clubs, sports teams and activities of varied interest.
Cobb County opened its Senior Wellness Center for active adults in 2012, but it has never charged a membership fee. Participants do pay a small fee for classes taught by paid instructors, but they can drop in and workout on their own at no cost.
Gill said establishing the membership system will help streamline registration for classes and activities and also improve security for the 5,000 older adults who use the facilities. Participants will be required to check in by using their membership cards or by paying a daily guest pass fee.
Forsyth County operates two active adult centers for those 55 and older. Annual memberships are $60 for county residents, with some classes and activities costing extra. One of the facilities has an indoor heated pool.
The county also operates a traditional center where seniors come in the morning and stay throughout the day to socialize and participate in various programs on site. They serve a congregate meal for lunch. This has always been free for participants, but a cost-share membership fee is in the works for that center as well.
Brew said the county’s senior population of 20,000 is expected to almost double over the next several years and current funding will only stretch so far. She said 90 percent of the $2 million annual senior services budget comes from local taxes and federal grants.
“We’re worried we can’t keep serving the senior population without implementing some fees,” she said.
COBB SENIOR SERVICES
Membership fees will be effective Feb. 1, 2018
Cobb residents: $60/year
Non-residents: $90/year
Yearly memberships can be created online at www.CobbSeniors.org or by visiting any Cobb County senior center. Members will receive a membership card that must be picked up in person. No cards will be mailed.
Yearly memberships include health programs, access to workout facilities and free coffee. It can be used at any of the county’s senior centers. Certain classes, events and trips have additional fees to be paid upon registration.
Visitors can get a one-time Guest Pass, and pay a $5 fee for any visit after that.
Those who can’t afford the membership fee can call 770-528-5355 to discuss options.
Source: Cobb Senior Services
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