by Linda Holderness

Wherever you live, programs for older adults—ones that will enrich your social life, teach you new skills, provide for your needs, and keep you healthy and safe—are plentiful. What’s more, the costs are reasonable, sometimes free, and the information is easy to find.

Games and movies are senior center staples, but you’ll also find classes that demand fitness or improve on it—from yoga and Zumba to hiking, softball and tennis. If you have the travel bug, sign up for day, weekend and even overseas trips that provide companionship, safety and put someone else behind the wheel.

For a small donation, most programs provide nutritious noontime meals (often through Meals On Wheels, which serves ages 60 and up). You’ll also find health support, such as blood pressure screenings, nutrition classes and Alzheimer’s counseling. Generally, if a class runs in one district, you’re likely to find it in others.

Despite the economy’s downturn, the area’s senior facilities are flourishing. Read on for a sampling of the highlights.

Cameron Park Community Services District

2502 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park 530-677-2231, cameronpark.org

• An Aging Well series covers such themes as “follow your bliss” and coping with loss
• Coffee, Tea & Friends, offered every second Tuesday of the month, features a speaker series
• Every fourth Tuesday is Senior Games Day
• Regular activities include a table tennis club and quilting group

Area Agency on Aging

937 Spring Street, Placerville, 530-621-6150, edcgov.us/humanservices/senior_services/senior_services.aspx

• Programs include computer assistance, health insurance counseling, caregiver support, day care services, nutrition services and a senior shuttle
• You Are Not Alone (YANA) allows older adults to find comfort and security knowing that someone will check on them daily, and in the event that something does happen, family or friends will be notified  
• A Senior Shuttle provides trips to the grocery store and to out-of-county events; reservations required (530-621-6369)
• Open to ages 60 and up

Placerville Recreation and Parks

549 Main Street, Placerville, 530-642-5232, cityofplacerville.org

• If you love bingo, this is the place for you; play twice a month, six hours a day
• Array of classes includes Thai cooking and fused glass art

Ramona “Moni” Gilmore Senior Center

990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, 916-358-3575, eldoradohillscsd.org/parks-facilities/senior-center.html

• More than 20 percent of the EDH Activity Guide is devoted to seniors
• Offbeat offerings include a theater group, ukulele lessons, hand/neck massages (by appointment) and a French club
• The Center serves lunch and provides peer counseling for depressed seniors, Medicare counseling and legal assistance, and has a new day care facility
• Open to ages 50 and up
  

GETTING THERE

You can reach some centers by public bus, but you may walk a couple of blocks. Dial-a-Ride services offer pick-ups and drop-offs in every area. Appointments are required; fees vary. El Dorado County Dial-a-Ride: 916-933-7766 or 530-642-3696.