Enjoying life in Westlake with city's 'Fifty Plus' programs

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Westlake Center for Community Services is a destination for anyone age 50-plus interested in social, educational and recreational activities. No longer called Westlake Senior Center, "Fifty Plus" programs seems to more correctly identify the population the department serves. In fact, a 2012 Nielsen report found that by 2017, 50 percent of the US population will be over age 50.

The Westlake community services department staff, volunteers and advisory board find creative ways in which new information and new skills are offered as well as the tried and true traditional programs. Older adult participants credit the Center with benefiting their physical and mental health and improving their ability to find out about and connect to support services. A better quality of life ensues and successful aging is the result.

The staff hosts six to 12 activities each weekday with exercise, yoga and Tai Chi offered Monday through Thursday evenings. These enrichment programs include everything from art, music and literature appreciation to historical re-enactors to beaucoup gala event luncheons with great entertainment.

Traditional activities might include bridge, pinochle, chess, board games, Wii, bingo, movies, history talks and news discussions. Also included are support groups: grief, Parkinson’s, diabetes and stroke. A wide variety of health programs and assessments, weekly blood pressure checks, a health fair and annual flu and pneumonia immunizations are also scheduled. Through various donors and sponsors many of the activities and programs are offered without cost.  

More than 30 trips have been offered in 2013 and planning for 2014 is well underway. Trips are both local, daytime of some distance, overnight and international. Trips are chaperoned by staff and daytime trips are via chartered bus.

The monthly newsletter is available online at www.cityofwestlake.org/departments/community.aspx or in hard copy by calling the Center at 440-899-3544.  

Located on the campus of Meadowood Golf Course at the northwest corner of Crocker and Center Ridge roads, patrons especially love the warm-day activities on the patio, in the upstairs veranda, in the gazebo or on the bocce ball court. In the winter it is a wonderland view of white complete with wildlife.

But services are not limited to activities. The social service staff is a resource for referrals, information, discount program applications, government forms and for Westlake residents emergency food, a daily safety phone check and transportation in one of six City vehicles.  

The City of Westlake Community Services Department and their "Fifty Plus" programs offers activities and support to those who desire extra enjoyment and independence in a positive and helpful atmosphere. All are welcome.