Introduction
Social infrastructure for citizens of different ages is significant for the community’s well-being. The NYC Department of Aging supports the development of institutions for older people. One of its recent initiatives has been renaming Seniors Centers to Older Persons Centers. At first glance, the changes are minor, but the new name contributes to expanding the community of these centers.
The wording of senior is quite strict, and not all people who could benefit from that center associate themselves with this definition. Nevertheless, the benefits of involving people in the work of such centers are many and varied (The National Council on Aging, 2022). This essay will look at the features of Older Persons Centers in New York using the CCNS Best Life Older Adult Center in Queens as an example.
Available Services at the Older Person Center
There are several services available at the CCNS Best Life Older Adult Center that will be of interest to visitors. Case assistance, education and recreation services, and health promotion are among them (Department for Aging Services, n.d.). In addition, lunch and nutritional education are arranged in the center.
Alternatives for Seniors to Combat Social Isolation
There are few alternatives for an exciting pastime for older persons in this area, except for several squares and recreational areas. In these green areas, the visitors can walk and organize meetings of interest clubs, which will help overcome social isolation.
Diversity and Cultural Competence in Older Person Centers
Older person centers are significant for the diversity and cultural life of the community. First, based on such centers, people can find a safe space with like-minded people to be themselves and not be afraid of prejudice and discrimination (What is a Senior Center, 2019). In addition, various types of assistance organized by employees of older person centers can help people in difficult situations (Liu et al., 2021). Finally, such centers allow people to get help or advice from open-minded and empathetic people who want to support an older person in need.
Conclusion
Thus, the work of older person centers is vital for the community. The new name will help attract as many visitors as possible to such centers and enrich communication and interaction within the community area. This will help provide quality leisure and communication to those who need it. Finally, the influx of visitors will help fight discrimination and improve the acceptance of people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
References
Department for aging services (n.d.). Web.
Liu, J., Ji, B., & Lou, Y. (2021). Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on community services for homebound older adults in New York City. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(5), 1743–1753. Web.
The National Council on Aging. Get the facts on senior centers. (2022). Web.
What is a senior center, what do they offer, and who can benefit? (2019). All About Seniors. Web.