Westland • Michigan
Compassionate City
Seniors
RECEIVE MAJOR ATTENTION !
In the early 2000s , Barbara Marcum , director of Senior Resources for the city of Westland , had a vision to expand her department to reach more residents of her community . “ We lowered the age of people we serve at the Friendship Center from 60 to 50 ,” she said . “ We now cater to a more diverse group of residents and have people from five generations and even members well in their 90s who utilize the center .”
Westland ’ s Friendship Center is unlike your typical senior center . They have programs focused on keeping people energized and active . They offer several classes such as Zumba , Bunco , Spinning , Boot Camp , Yoga , Tai Chi for Arthritis , as well as old favorites like pinochle and bingo . “ We also adjusted our hours of operation to accommodate our younger seniors who are still working ,” said Marcum , a Bachelor of Science degree graduate from Madonna University ’ s Gerontology Program .
“ We went from a standard 9 a . m . - 5 p . m . Monday through Friday operation to Monday and Thursday from 9 a . m . -9 p . m ., Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a . m . -7 p . m ., Friday until 5 p . m . and Saturday mornings from 9 a . m . - 12 noon . The modern exercise room is always available whenever the center is open . The Friendship Center is catering to younger seniors more than ever before . “ Many of our baby boomers come in and take a class or two initially and upon retirement , when they have more free time , they have already found their second home and have cultivated many new friendships ,” added Marcum .
Hundreds of members participate in the many programs and activities every week as they meet the educational , social , recreational , physical and nutritional needs , and to some degree emotional / spiritual needs , of those who choose the activities they are interested in . Classes are also offered to keep seniors up on the technology they are now almost required to know .
The city of Westland ’ s Senior Resources Department develops and implements a comprehensive program designed to address the changing needs of older adults in the community . “ It is not easy to develop a program that services a span of 50 years ,” said Marcum .
“ Adding that one extra generation has injected a sense of vitality and youth at the center . Unfortunately , the perception of most is that when they walk into a senior center , they
expect to see all walkers and wheelchairs . While we do have a few of those , that perception couldn ’ t be further from the truth .” Millennials have visited the Friendship Center for school projects or college research and have remarked , “ This place is so cool . I want to come here !”
“ The Friendship Center is a clearing house for residents seeking information and referral to programs either offered through the city or to other local organizations specializing in older adult services ,” said William R . Wild , mayor of Westland . “ The goal of the Friendship Center is to not only provide recreational and social activities but also provide programs and services along with companionship to aid our residents in successfully living the happiest , healthiest , most fulfilling life possible .”
The 17,000-square-foot Friendship Center is one of Michigan ’ s premier facilities , offering the finest in equipment and amenities . “ When people think of senior centers , they think retirement or assisted living and that is not at all what we are ,” said Marcum . “ Don ’ t assume that you know what a senior center is ; the world is changing and we are changing with it .”
However , they do serve several residents who are not mobile . The residents who are active at the Friendship Center come from
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Innovative Health - Winter 2017