Home

Search

Browse

About IPO

Staff

Links

How well do we know what is happening on the front line, with regard to senior programming? We, as professionals, know for the most part that with which we have direct experience. We do a little "recreational espionage" when possible — read other park brochures and keep our eyes open when we travel to other communities! We watch professional journals for trends and seek out discussion with recreation and park directors. We listen to the public we serve. Despite all of these resources, sorting the issues of senior programming is not simple. There appears to be no clear or easy answers.

Since this population spans 50+ years (seniors now being defined as anywhere from 50 to 100+), one cannot simplify what it is that this population will respond to in the way that we can describe what consists good preschool programming. The preschool population consists of 0-5 year olds, with clearly defined educational goals! But the seniors ... just which seniors are we discussing? Defining this population is the first task we must tackle.

Let us take a look at those seniors we are serving now. Investigation shows that each park and recreation department has very different programs, and very different groups. Though some of this is due to the population distribution in each community, it is also a reflection of how these groups were formed. Is it a volunteer group formed to complete a task, a social group formed to play cards or to take trips, an active group formed to exercise, or a craft group formed to share talents? Most ongoing senior groups were formed with a strong leader, a strong mission, and a group of people with similar interests. In each situation, the park or recreation department has provided space, funds, or motivation to get these groups off the ground and to keep them going. In most cases these groups serve the senior population well. However, in many situations, we are seeing a lack of new membership. The seniors are getting older, are limited by illnesses, are moving on to nursing homes, can no longer get out on their own, or are dying. Many of these groups are "phasing out" due to lack of interest or participation. A community senior center director reported to me, a bit bewildered, that enrollment in all programs was down. "We are not sure what 'the seniors' want anymore!"

Many park districts cannot get enough older adults together for a senior exercise program. Yet in many areas, the senior exercise classes are "sold out," with waiting lists to get in.

The question becomes, "Should each park or recreation department reinvent the wheel?" If a community cannot get enough registration for an activity, does that imply that the community doesn't want it or need it? Can we, instead, assume that people are finding what they need elsewhere. Are they, indeed, "shopping around," becoming more worldly and selective in their activity choices?

Classes that currently seem to be big sellers for "seniors" are country-western line dancing for exercise, water exercise, walking, and "in-between" clubs, for the active older adult. Descriptions like "the active older adult," "the mature population," "adults only," and "light and easy exercise" are becoming more common in park and recreation brochures. Does this perhaps tell us that seniors do not wish to be called seniors any more? These new seniors may not identify with the seniors of their parents' day. Bingo, free lunches, and card parties may not be a part of the activities with which they identify.

One more observation from the front line — there are more of them then there are of us! In many communities, day time activity participants are exclusively seniors. It is becoming harder and harder to get young adults to participate in day time activities. These people are working or otherwise involved. The seniors, once relegated to facility "down time" are beginning to demand prime time. Why should sold out exercise classes have to shut out participants, when the regular classes are being cancelled due to lack of participants? "Seniors" of the future want to exercise or play at their convenience, not when everyone else is eating lunch! They, too, have their agendas for the day, whether it be work, volunteering, school, or relaxation.

Now some things we know about the seniors of the future: they are getting healthier, they are younger, they are more active, they have broader life experiences, and they are more affluent. The baby boomer senior still wants to contribute to society, whether it be in volunteering, learning new skills, or taking on new jobs. This new group does, however, have time on its hands. Many of them are alone, due to divorce, death,

20 • Illinois Parks & Recreation • November/December 1994

or lifestyle choice. They enjoy socializing. They need to get out. They wish to challenge their brains and their bodies. They know they need to keep moving it or they will be losing it! They are health conscious. They do not wish to exist exclusively in retirement communities. They desire contact with all ages — younger and older. They are much more independent and intend to live that way as long as possible. They wish to have a voice in the world in which they live. By the force of shear numbers, they will have an impact! They will take responsibility, rather than demand special services.

And so on to the implications for the future. The senior center of the future will not be. It is my prediction that we as recreation professionals will best serve the new senior population by continuing to do well what we do now — provide recreational programs. I predict over-50, over-60, and over-70 basketball, softball, and tennis leagues, for men, women, and coed! Learn to ski, skate, golf, and play tennis classes, as well as daytime bingo, will be sell-outs. Senior program coordinators will become full-time positions, coordinating all senior activities with other age group activities! Community centers will serve all age populations. Large open areas for socializing will be well used by those coming and going. The coffee will always be on! Grass roots volunteerism will become popular. "Inclusion" will take on a much broader definition than currently held in the educational world! Class descriptions will not include age limitations, but activity descriptions. Fitness classes will be leveled by ability, workout goals, and endurance levels demanded. Beginning aerobics could include 24-year-old novice exercisers, 65-year-olds with arthritis, and 70-year-old active regulars! Year-round swimming pools will become a necessity as the population becomes older. The importance of this form of exercise for continued conditioning as well as rehabing will be demanded by this new senior population. Cooperative programming between YMCAs, school districts, and park and recreation agencies will become a reality. Senior Olympic athletes will demand training time on the high school tracks — that they pay taxes to build. Busing adults to other communities for activities will become common. Program directors will refer clients to other park agencies where they can find appropriate programming. Senior day care will be a reality. In many cases seniors will be taking care of their own parents. Finally, the world will be a better place, because these improvements and changes will be shared with all age groups who can benefit.

The goal of this article has been to stimulate thought and discussion about the future of senior programming. It is clear that we need to develop forums for sharing and continued discussion of where this group will lead us. First, possibly, we need to rename this over-50 group or groups. It will be an exciting time for us to do something new!

Elaine J. Layden has a M.A. in Exercise Physiology. She is part-time Recreation Director for the Village of Lyons and President of the Community Park District of LaGrange Park. Layden also teaches senior exercise, line dancing and water exercise for the Park Districts of Westchester and LaGrange, as well as fitness consulting for corporate health and fitness centers. •

Illinois Parks & Recreation • November/December 1994 • 21