Senior center lowers eligibility age
By Angie Landsverk
People may now join Waupaca’s senior center at age 50.
That is after the common council voted earlier this month to lower the age of eligibility from 55 to 50.
The change is in effect as people sign up for 2021 memberships, said Sara Reybrock, the senior center coordinator.
The cost of an annual membership is $10 for Farmington residents, $15 for city residents and $20 for those who live in other area towns.
A membership includes most of the center’s classes at no extra cost, such as the computer lab, exercise classes, card clubs, social activities, woodcarving, educational classes and parties, she said.
Reybrock, along with Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Whitman, brought the request before the council.
“The Waupaca Senior Center staff and Advisory Board have been discussing ways to expand our programs and marketing strategy to better fit the needs of the increasing senior population in Waupaca and the surrounding area,” she wrote in a memo to the council and Parks and Recreation Board.
Reybrock said the center had several requests to include younger seniors, who are 50.
She noted AARP and several senior centers in Waupaca’s district offer membership at age 50.
Reybrock said the benefits of lowering the eligibility age include:
• An increase in revenue as membership grows.
That would allow the senior center to expand opportunities in the areas of wellness, education and recreation, she said.
• The potential to decrease the chances of some incidents that tend to occur as people age.
“Our programs are geared to assist individuals with increasing health needs, such as bone density, falls prevention, cognitive function, mental health issues and a variety of other needs that tend to occur as we age. If we offer our programs to younger seniors, we could potentially decrease the chances of these incidents,” Reybrock said in her memo.
• An opportunity to break stereotypes associated with aging by attracting younger seniors to the center.
Senior center’s mission
“Our mission is to provide older adults opportunities for continued independence to maintain an active, productive and dignified life,” she said.
Reybrock said the Waupaca Senior Center wants to demonstrate the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle through innovative programming that attracts the attention of the community.
This can help lower health-care costs, trips to the emergency room, while also decreasing social isolation and fostering a community of good health and wellness, she said.
“If we can achieve this, healthy older adults will, in turn, contribute to the sustainability of small businesses and not overwhelm the health-care industry,” Reybrock wrote.
In addition to attending many classes offered at the center, a membership gives the person priority to day and extended trips, she said.
A monthly newsletter is also mailed to their residence.
Reybrock said the center offers evidence-based programs, taught by certified instructors.
Members also have access to resources, specialty classes, community gardens and more, she said.
Beginning next spring, Rock Steady Boxing will be offered for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, as well as basic boxing classes.
Reybrock asks where else in the community one can “engage in wellness, education and recreation for an entire year for $20 or less.”
While memberships run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 each year, people may sign up throughout the year, she said.
Located in the lower level of the Waupaca Recreation Center, the senior center is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We are currently taking all safety precautions, such as wearing masks, sanitizing all equipment between programs, social distancing of 10 feet during all exercise programs, and limiting class sizes to 25% of the room capacity,” Reybrock said.