Cambridge Council on Aging Celebrates National Senior Center Month

Happy National Senior Center Month! This September, the Cambridge Council on Aging joins the National Council on Aging and hundreds of Senior Centers across the country in celebrating how Senior Centers support and empower older adults. This year’s theme is “Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script,” inviting us to challenge outdated perceptions of aging and acknowledge the dynamic role that Senior Centers play in fostering creativity, connection, purpose, and resilience in later life.   

Cambridge has two Senior Centers: the Cambridge Senior Center located at 806 Massachusetts Ave. and the North Cambridge Senior Center located at 2050 Massachusetts Ave. Both Centers offer arts and enrichment classes, fitness classes, and social groups. They also provide lunch meals, transportation to local shopping areas, and plan exciting trips to attractions across New England. 

"Our hope is that we have created diverse and vibrant Senior Centers,” says Susan Pacheco, Executive Director of the Cambridge Council on Aging. “Our Centers are a setting for lifelong learning and active aging. We want the Centers to be an older adult’s ‘third place’: a community space they choose where they find joy and enrichment.” 

Cambridge’s Senior Centers serve more than 1,680 Cambridge residents age 60 and older annually, and they welcome new participants to enjoy their programs and services. 

If you are a Cambridge resident who is 60 or older, check out these September offerings that “flip the script” on aging stereotypes: 

• Senior Music Jam Sessions: Mondays, September 8 through December 8, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave.). If you play an instrument, sing, or simply want to enjoy live music, join Cambridge native and saxophonist Bobby Tynes and a group of amazing musicians for a music jam session! No registration required. 
• Language Classes that Support Lifelong Learning: Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), offered in partnership with the Community Learning Center, helps older adults who live in Cambridge learn English. Our Spanish for Beginners classes build conversation skills and celebrate the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Many older adults take our Spanish classes to prepare for trips to Spanish-speaking countries. 
• Fitness classes including Zumba, Strong and Stretched, and Chair Yoga.
• Mindfulness classes including Meditation and Tai Chi
• Art and enrichment classes like Documentary Photography, Quilting for Beginners, and Portrait Drawing

We also offer monthly social groups: Women's Group, Men's Group, Veterans and Friends Support Group, Bangladesh Social Group, Ethopian Social Hour, and more! 

For more information, view the Cambridge Senior Center schedule (PDF), North Cambridge Senior Center schedule (PDF), or visit visit www.cambridgema.gov/CouncilonAging.

You can also call the Council on Aging at 617-349-6220.

Photo: A group of older adults enjoy a trip to historic Plymouth, MA during a trip with the North Cambridge Senior Center.