Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

Americans are living longer, remaining active and healthy, the retirement years now span decades, and families are scattered. What does this mean? Today's older adults need places where they can come together to fulfill physical, social and intellectual needs. Senior centers fit the bill.

"Senior centers tap the potential of healthy older adults, nurture talents and expand their interests," says David Voyles, Director of Programs and Facilities for Middletown Area Senior Center (MASC). "We not only enrich the lives of our clients but ultimately their family and friends too."

MASC will serve 2,400 clients in 2007, a number that will drastically increase as baby boomers mature over the next 25 years. In Butler County, over 48,000 individuals are over age 60; this will increase to 83,000 by 2020. MASC has answered the challenge with the construction of a new facility that is 21,000 square feet and situated on 11 acres in the heart of Middletown.

Almost unlimited opportunities at the new MASC include a fitness area with exercise equipment, meeting and banquet facilities, billiards room, card and crafts rooms, computer lab, library, gift shop and outdoor recreational site for basketball, horseshoes and volleyball. The Center also offers volunteer and education opportunities, guest speakers, health and fitness screenings, and social service programs. A typical summer month's calendar included a billiards' tournament, blood pressure check, lunch at a local restaurant, trip to the Butler County Fair, chair volleyball and square dancing.

Since its opening in 2003, Mason Community Center has served as a beacon for Warren County seniors. Older adults are welcome to use all of the center's amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness area, walking/jogging track, leisure and lap pools, gymnasium, arts and crafts activity rooms, game room and group exercise studio. The hub of senior life at Mason Community Center, however, is The BRIDGE. This activity area, lounge and billiards room is exclusively for the use of adults aged 55 and over.

The BRIDGE provides a variety of senior programs and services including presentations and seminars on health and human service issues, travel, recreation, special events, fitness, sports and education. BRIDGE-only center memberships are available.

The services offered by Oxford Senior Center address the need for social interaction and independence issues. "We supply home-delivered meals, adult day care, a congregate meal site, and provide clients with transportation for medical appointments, shopping, visiting friends or church," says Executive Director Joan Potter-Sommer. "We have an on-site elderly service case manager and outreach worker. "Our member activities encompass exercise, Bible study, stained glass and quilting classes, card playing, seasonal events, wood carving, billiards, potluck lunches, day trips, blood pressure screenings, a caregiver support group and Parkinson's support group. We merge supportive services and social needs of the senior population."

For further information on MASC, please call 513423-1734; for Mason Community Center, call 229-8555; for Oxford Senior Center please call 513-523-8100.