• Socialization and Recreation: OACs provide opportunities for older adults to connect with their peers, participate in group activities, and build social networks. OACs offer a variety of fun activities and classes to teach new skills that could include:

 

• Arts and crafts

• Music and theater arts

• Computer classes

• Games like dominos, bingo, chess, and ping-pong

• Gardening

• Recreational day trips

• Holiday and birthday celebrations

• And much more!

 

• Fitness Programs: OACs keep members active with fitness programs and evidence-based classes. Some programs you might find at your local OAC could include:

 

• Walking clubs

• Yoga

• Chair exercises

• Tai chi

• Dance classes and Zumba

 

• Health and Wellness: OACs offer health screenings, training and workshops on nutrition, health prevention, and managing chronic illnesses. 

 

• Chronic disease self-management for arthritis, diabetes, & high blood pressure

• Falls prevention workshops

• Presentations on cardiovascular health, stress, and other health issues.

 

• Support and Social Services: OACs often provide information and referrals, and connections to city and federal programs and services and assist members with resources and programs, including accessing benefits like Medicare/Medicaid, SCRIE, and SNAP. 

 

• Educational and Recreational Activities: These can include arts and crafts, music programs, educational workshops, and technology training. 

 

• Meals: Many OACs offer congregate meals, grab-and-go options, or both. 

 

• Community Engagement: OACs facilitate volunteer opportunities for older adults and encourage participation in community events. 

 

• Transportation: Some centers offer transportation services to and from the center, as well as provide transportation services for essential medical and social appointments for those who lack access to transportation or can't use public transit.

 

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  The NYC Department for the Aging is dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and funds OACs for special populations, including: 

 

• The SAGE Centers for LGBTQ+ seniors and the Queens Center for Gay Seniors. 

• Additionally, VISIONS at Selis Manor Senior Center supports blind and visually impaired older adults.

 

Please note that services, classes, virtual programs, and schedules differ at individual OACs. We recommend you contact your local OAC for more information or call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NY (212-244-6469) for more information.

 

To find the nearest OAC near you, please visit the NYC Department of Aging Find Services page: https://a125-egovt.nyc.gov/AgingService/