Senior Centers might tend to carry a stigma about them, especially among baby boomers, but they aren’t like what your grandmother knew anymore! Proof is found in The Five Points Center for Active Adults and The Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults which celebrate their fifth anniversary in September.

And they truly live up to the name “Active Adult”, noting that the greatest change in the past five years has been the move away from bingo and knitting classes to active, educational programs such as yoga and fitness. Their most popular programs are in fitness and technology.

Seniors today don’t want to sit around and watch life pass them by. They want to be dynamic, involved and up-to-date on what’s new in the world, and the Active Adult Center offers just that.

Active Adult Centers

If Active Adult Centers are unfamiliar, let us help explain. They are a significant part of Raleigh’s Parks and Recreations Department, offering a variety of fitness classes ranging from yoga to low-impact aerobics to boot camp type classes, literally, something for everyone!

It also offers educational classes like financial planning, social security, and “How to” classes, teaching everything from the internet to using an iPhone. If technology isn’t really your ‘thing’, the department also offers art classes, social programs and Read & Go. Approximately 200 people a day take advantage of the Center and all it offers, appreciating the fact that many programs are without charge. (Some fitness classes do charge a nominal fee).

Jennifer Tabery, Facility Supervisor, says the Active Adult Center motto is “Happy, Healthy, Active Patrons,” and it delivers with its one-stop shop for all interests, developing social relationships in the process.

The Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Adult Program also offers programs throughout Raleigh in churches, local community centers and apartments. Additionally, day and overnight trips are offered to places near and far. “We are always looking for volunteers to serve as instructors for our educational classes,” says Tabery. If you have some knowledge or experience in a particular area, they would love to have you!

The Five Points Center for Active Adults also accommodates the Meals on Wheels congregate lunch site which serves every senior over 60 years of age who can get to the Center. Donations are accepted but not required to enjoy a meal.

Resources for Seniors has an Information and Referral Specialist housed at the Five Points Center; a Referral Specialist is also available by appointment at the Anne Gordon Center. The specialists provide information on the Center’s programs and other community based support for seniors.

Anne Gordon Center For Active Adults

1901 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-996-4720

Five Points Center For Active Adults

2000 Noble Road
Raleigh, NC 27608
919-996-4730

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.