Manchester Needs a Designated Senior Center

To the Editor:

A designated senior center is much more than a place to hold activities.  It is a place where older residents can build friendships, stay active, remain connected to their community, and find support as their needs change.  I believe Manchester-By-the-Sea needs to recognize the importance of having a permanent, designated space for its older adults.

A senior center also serves a much greater purpose than social programming. It is often the front door to services and resources that help older people remain independent and safely in their homes.  As residents participate in activities and develop relationships with Council on Aging staff, they become more comfortable reaching out when challenges arise. Whether someone is struggling with the cost of utilities, caring for an aging spouse, dealing with transportation difficulties, or simply feeling isolated, having a familiar place and trusted people to turn to can make an enormous difference.  Problems can be identified earlier, resources can be offered, and situations that might otherwise become crises can sometimes be prevented.

Not every older adult knows what assistance is available or feels comfortable asking for help.  A welcoming, accessible, designated space makes those connections easier.  It also gives the Council on Aging a greater opportunity to reach residents who may be isolated or facing financial, health, or other challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed.  In this way, a senior center is not just about providing activities; it is about prevention, support, and helping people maintain their independence and dignity.

This is not an unusual expectation for a community.  All of our surrounding towns have designated spaces for older residents, including Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, and Wenham.  Manchester should be asking itself why our older residents do not have the same opportunity.

Our older residents have helped make Manchester the community it is today.  They deserve a place to gather, connect, participate, and know there is somewhere to turn when they need help. 

We can and should do better for our older residents.

Jennifer DeSimone