Westshore senior centers collaborate

Eight Westshore senior centers have joined forces with Center For Aging in the Digital World to create a “one-stop” website for seniors residing in the western suburbs of Cleveland. Senior center directors from the cities of Westlake, Bay Village, Avon, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville and Rocky River have formed a strong collaborative relationship in their efforts to provide quality services and programs to older adults in their communities.

Two years ago at the annual Westshore senior center directors' retreat, the group thought it would be a great service if one website could be created that would contain easily accessible information pertinent to all eight communities. While several people choose to participate at senior centers, the directors realized that there are still many people living in isolation who are unaware of the many services, programs and friendships that are available at their local centers. The hope is to cast a broader "net" of information.

Tak and Mely Sato, founders of Center for Aging in the Digital World, graciously and wholeheartedly volunteered their time and technical talent to guide and advise the directors in the systematic process and possibilities involved with the vision to create a collective website. 

"This communication medium provides another option to offer pertinent information to the communities," said Tak. "It reflects the eight senior center directors' commitment to their seniors, families and eldercare professionals. It also reflects the current trend of having the most up-to-date information easily accessible. We are so excited to be part of this collaborative."   

Community West Foundation also supported this worthwhile idea and presented the group with the funding to get their dream started. Once funding was in place, the group retained the services of A.M. Design, a company local to the Westshore region. A.M. Design recognized that this was an innovative project with no prototype. They were excited to work with the collaborative group to create an original and unique website.

Information accessibility in today’s technological world regarding social services, education, transportation, exercise and nutrition (just to name a few) is always in demand. Imagine, instead of reading eight different newsletters or searching eight different websites, seniors, families and eldercare professionals will have the ability to access one cohesive and collaborative website that will offer a “one-stop” shopping experience regarding information to Westshore senior citizens to remain happy, healthy and socially engaged while aging-in-place.

This provides the platform for future services as senior centers evolve and continue to meet the needs of our aging population. While this website is currently under construction, we welcome you to explore this opportunity at www.westshoreseniors.org this fall!