Senior services vital resource

In 2007 it was good to be a senior living in Dearborn and the Department of Recreation Senior Services Division made certain that seniors did more than just reside in the City. More than 1,900 seniors were kept informed, active and involved in meaningful ways.

Health services, educational offerings, one-day and extended travel, and diverse entertainment venues accounted for more than 22,000 senior visits at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center for such activities as the Health Expo, exercise classes and trips to plays, baseball games and musicals.
They also kept healthy, nourished and financially sound by using Senior Services Transportation to take 9,500 rides for visits to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and banks.

Seniors lent a helping hand, donating more than 11,000 hours in the Liquid Nutrition and Food Distribution programs, dances and mailings as well as delivering more than 250 meals each day in the Meals on Wheels program.
Always seeking challenges to stimulate minds and test physical abilities, the Senior Division offered new clubs and groups so that seniors could read, crochet, exercise, walk and dance.

Beginning in fall 2007, seniors high-stepped to their version of “Dancing with the Stars” by holding a waltz contest. This successful addition to their wide-range of activities was so well received that in February 2008 another dance contest is planned featuring the tango.

New in 2007 was the Senior Walking Club. Seniors participated by setting personal goals and walking as much as three miles in a day. By issuing raffle tickets to count their visits and be eligible for prizes, seniors were encouraged to attend and improve their fitness goals.

Seniors also participated in the 2007 Western Wayne County Senior Olympics and triumphed with 20 gold and nine silver medals as well as one bronze for their efforts and are now in training for the 2008 Senior Olympics.

Finally, there were annual special events such as the Volunteer Breakfast, Elderfest, Spring and Harvest Teas and the Christmas Luncheon to reward, entertain and close the year on a holiday note.