For Immediate Release: Friday, September 11, 2009
Montgomery County’s departments of Recreation and Health and Human Services (HHS) are looking for ways to engage older residents in activities that improve the quality of their lives. During the month of September on targeted days, neighborhood senior centers and senior programs will give $5 gift cards to first-time visitors at senior centers who participate in activities or programs. Current participants who bring a friend can also receive gift cards. Gift card supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Following is a schedule of open house events at senior centers and community centers that host regular senior activities:
Monday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Bauer Drive Community Center, 14625 Bauer Dr., Rockville, 301-468-4015; and Longwood Community Center, 19300 Georgia Ave., Brookeville, 240-777-6920;
Tuesday, September 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Damascus Senior Center, 9701 Main St., 240-777-6995;
Wednesday, September 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Clara Barton Recreation Center, 7425 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, 301-229-0010; Clarksburg Recreation Center, 22501 Wims Rd., 301-601-1668; and Ross Boddy Recreation Center, 18529 Brooke Rd., Sandy Spring, 240-777-8050;
Thursday, September 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Coffield Community Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Rd., Silver Spring, 240-777-4900; and Damascus Senior Center, 9701 Main St., 240-777-6995;
Monday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Rd., 240-777-8095;
Wednesday, September 23 – Friday, September 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, 240-777-4999; and
Friday, September 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring, 240-777-8090.
According to a recent publication of the National Institute on Aging, people who participate in activities such as traveling and socializing live longer than those who do not take part. Another study found that people who participate in activities such as board games and dancing have a lower risk for dementia. The study also showed that people who engage in social and leisure activities live longer and healthier lives.
“Once people experience a senior center or program, they tend to come back again and again to explore the broad range of activities we offer,” said Pat Streeter, manager of Recreation’s Senior Programs team. “We’re hoping that attracting first-time visitors to our senior centers during the month of September will introduce many more of our senior residents to all of the programs and opportunities available to them.”
The Recreation Department identifies seniors as all residents over the age of 55. While older residents can participate in almost any of the department’s programs, the Senior Programs team focuses on activities commonly of interest to older adults.
Physical activity options range from line dancing and tai chi to chair exercises, depending on the program site. Other activities include lectures, computer classes, entertainment, concerts and day trips.
“There is no end to the types of programs older adults enjoy,” said Shawn Brennan, program manager for senior health promotion in HHS. “Retirement brings the chance to explore parts of yourself that haven’t gotten a lot of attention, and the Recreation Department does a fantastic job of helping older adults do just that.”
For information about the open house events scheduled in September, call 240-777-4925.
Media Contact: Helen Abrahams, 240-777-4968