Stanley Senior Center promotes healthy, active aging

From the outside the Stanley Senior Center looks like any other city building, but behind its placid brick facade is a vibrant space for exercise, connection and community.

Since it opened in 2002, the Stanley Senior Center has served a growing population of Waltham’s seniors by offering programs that support and celebrate their lives. But the resources and options available to adults 60+ are still a secret to some in the area. Council on Aging Director Patrick O’Brien wants to get the word out to one and all.

“We’re a welcoming community center and a great resource for people,” O’Brien said. “We’ve got a variety of social, recreational and wellness programs every week. And our staff works hard to connect seniors with local, state and federal resources that support and help them live independently.”

The center is located at 488 Main St. with on-site parking and within two blocks of a bus stop. Programs available range from tax prep assistance and computer skills to line dancing and pickleball. 

The lineup changes continually based on residents’ suggestions and needs. “We try to find out their interests. Do you like to dance? Have a hobby? Like to cook and maybe want to teach a class? Then [we] find a program that fits,” O’Brien said.

To make winter living in Waltham a bit easier on seniors the COA has resources available to keep residents mobile and safe.

Volunteers can help with snow shoveling and clearing off cars. Seniors can get free transportation to medical appointments within Waltham, and take COA buses to Market Basket and Target. A volunteer handyman is also at the ready to handle small home repairs such as installing safety railings free of charge.

Eyes and ears for seniors

One of the most popular and successful programs year round is Meals on Wheels. Volunteers deliver more than 120 meals a day Monday through Friday to seniors who are unable to prepare food for themselves or who are homebound. The packing and distribution is free; recipients pay only for the food.

The COA serves as eyes and ears as well. If someone doesn’t show up or doesn’t answer the door when the meal is being delivered, the staff will call the emergency contact. If the contact is unable to reach them, COA will call the Triad officer and the police will do a wellness check.

This sense of concern and compassion is a trademark. A few years ago, a resident was concerned about his mother who was living alone and wouldn’t leave the house. After much cajoling, he brought her to the center for a first look. The staff showed her around, introduced her to other seniors and the next week she was playing chair volleyball.

“Just getting seniors out of the house is a win,” O’Brien said. 

It’s estimated that 3,500 seniors use the center each year. To keep the numbers climbing, the COA is planning trips to Castle Island, the Museum of Science, the JFK Library and the Concord Museum when the weather gets better. To read about monthly program updates, seniors can access the Senior Connection monthly newsletter online or pick up a free copy at the Stanley Senior Center, City Hall and Waltham Public Library as well as at various supermarkets and pharmacies throughout the city.