Thursday, October 1, 2026
Many of us, even people whose lives have spanned seven decades, or more, harbor an inner ageist. The mention of the words “senior center” causes knee-jerk reactions like, “That’s for old people” or “I’m too young for the old folks home.”
If we aspire to make the most of our elderhood, we need to own the age we are. We need to show ourselves, and each other, grace for committing the sin of getting old. We should wear our years with pride and a sense of accomplishment in the amazing feat of navigating life during a period of rapid and drastic changes.
My first encounter with a senior center was in Shelton in 2017. I was 56 years old and newly arrived in the Pacific Northwest knowing no one, and having no job or plan.
I came across the Mason County Senior Activities Center online and decided I’d go on a sort of expedition of discovery to see how “old people” behaved in their natural environment.
When I walked in, I was greeted by a volunteer hostess attending to the coffee station. She volunteered to show me around and I was welcomed by many seniors in the dining area, where they where playing cards, dominoes and other table games. They enthusiastically asked me to join them and offered to teach me the games they were enjoying.
I politely declined, but I was intrigued. I knew that these folks had a lesson to teach that I needed to learn. How was it that people 20 or 30 years older than myself were happy and enjoying themselves, while I was relatively young, healthy and moping around like a sad sack?
I began a routine of visiting the senior center every weekday, sitting with my elders and getting to know the stories of their lifetimes. I discovered two things that accounted for their cheerful (for the most part) demeanor.
First, they had each other. A community of friends showing up for each other serving as connection and purpose — a reason to get out of bed, get dressed and get out into the world, instead of being isolated with the negative self-talk that often accompanies the challenges of aging.
Secondly, they had the awareness that they were nearing the end of this amazing journey we call life. The importance of savoring every moment that remains with gratitude was top of mind. Viewed with this perspective, every day is more precious than the last.
Inspired by my newfound community of friends, I got involved volunteering to drive van trips to various attractions, such as zoos, aquariums, festivals, etc. I joined the committee putting on the always fun bingo-karaoke monthly fundraiser and started my own Friday Fun Night fundraiser. I became a hospice volunteer, and an aging and end of life caregiver.
It is not overstating it to say the experience with the Mason County Senior Activity Center changed the trajectory of my life for the better. It gave me connection, purpose and a community to serve.
Years later, I moved to Lacey and got involved with Senior Services for South Sound facilitating Death Cafes in the Lacey and Olympia senior centers, both managed by Senior Services for South Sound. What a truly impressive array of services they provide in the community:
Activities
Bingo
Brighter Days Adult Day Program
Budd Bay Bargains
Community Dining
Home Share
Inclusion
Meals on Wheels
PALS - Pet Assistance for Low-income Seniors
Senior Academy
SHIBA - Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors
Special Events
Transportation
Trips & Tours
Volunteer
Well Check
I asked Brian Windrope, Executive Director of Senior Services for South Sound, what are some of the challenges facing senior centers.
”I'd say one of the biggest challenges is the name itself. Too many folks avoid them because they have negative stereotypes. We should call them fun centers or learning centers because that's what happens here. Fun and learning," Windrope said.
Here are links to other Thurston County senior centers:
Tumwater Old Town Center Senior Programs
If you’re looking for a place to connect with other people of a certain age, whether for companionship or to volunteer to serve, give your nearest senior center a visit. It may just change your life for the better!
Events from This Week in the Elderhood
If you would like to add your event of interest to elders, click here, and be sure to select the “Seniors” category check box.
Glenn Harper provides support in aging and end of life. He is Chair of the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and board member of the Senior Action Network. He facilitates several free Death Cafe and Elderhood Roundtable gatherings in the area where Elders are invited to talk about difficult topics in a nonjudgmental space. Learn more about these events here.
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joycetogden
Newcomers-- Be aware that there are "cliques" among the ladies. I (and others) have been shunned or ignored by others there. You may have to aggressively introduce yourself today, and try again tomorrow.
Saturday, June 27 Report this
DebeKE
Glenn, thank you for this article. I appreciate your column very much. Lots of great educational information and ideas for action.
I joined the Olympia Senior Center when I turned 55 because I wanted to support my neighbors. I also knew that if the fates allowed I too, would continue to age and need support, friendship and services. There are wonderful services offered in this community for elders.
My husband has taught writing at the Olympia Senior Center for 13 years and many elders have been able to tell their stories in creative ways. The classes offered can be life changing and life enhancing. So, here is to embracing this time of life with care, art and kindness!
Tuesday, June 30 Report this
KellyOReilly
Thank you for this exceptionally well-written article and for highlighting the services provided by our local food banks. BTW, I recently learned that Concern for Animals in Olympia has a pet food bank that serves those who need help providing for their dogs and cats.
Saturday, July 4 Report this
KellyOReilly
Oops! I just posted to the wrong article--please excuse my error!
Saturday, July 4 Report this