Arlington — With six different senior centers, senior citizens (considered ages 55 and older) of Arlington County have plenty of opportunities to exercise their minds, bodies and souls. From basketball teams to organized trips, Arlington is the perfect place for seniors to develop new interests as well as hone skills and hobbies they have been practicing for years.
“The Office of Senior Adult Programs has six senior centers, a strong sports and fitness program, travel, social events and volunteer opportunities,” Program Manager Cheryl Johnson said. “With the six centers combined the Office of Senior Adult Programs provides over 155 programs per week.”
Johnson said that her office is a part of the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation.
She said although the centers are run by staff, an impressive number of volunteers keep the activities up and running.
“Last year we had 4,765 individuals registered with the OSAP and 308 volunteers,” she said.
Collaborating and partnering with other businesses and senior organizations like AARP also keeps certain classes and activities available at the Arlington centers. The Office of Senior Adult Programs, for example, has a partnership with the Educational Theater Company to enhance arts appreciation classes.
Johnson said although all the sessions and events are well attended, the most popular activities are those that involve exercise.
“We either have instructors for fitness programs, qualified instructors that teach a variety of sports and fitness programs, like aqua, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, seated exercise, cardio boxing, mediation and zumba,” Johnson said. “One of our most popular sports is pickleball.”
Vicki Florian is one Arlington resident who takes full advantage of what her hometown has to offer.
“I am currently doing the co-ed volleyball at Langston-Brown [Senior Center] and that is fabulous,” Florian said. “My husband and I have done the spinning classes at [Thomas Jefferson Community Center,] as well as the pickleball at [Thomas Jefferson Community Center]… We have really done a variety of stuff.”
Florian said she belongs to other private recreation centers, but she finds that she gets better value at the senior centers of Arlington County.
“When I tell people what is offered, they are just astounded - they cannot believe what a good value it is,” Florian said. “It is the best kept secret in Arlington. I know it’s not a complete secret and that a lot of people know about it, but I am amazed it is not totally overrun.”
Florian said her activity at private gyms has waned as her involvement with the county programs has increased.
“We do belong to another recreation center, but we just don’t go there so much anymore,” Florian said. “The people are just so friendly and welcoming. With group activities, it is organized in a way so it gets you going there. With other places, you have to initiate yourself. With the senior centers, it is structured and that keeps you coming back when you find an activity to do and a time to go. It’s just excellent value.”
The cost of an annual membership for Arlington residents is $20, and for non-Arlington senior citizens, the cost is $45. People can register for classes online or in person, depending on the nature and popularity of the activity.
The six senior centers, not including the community centers, are Arlington Mill, Aurora Hill, Culpeper Gardens, Langston Brown, Lee and Walter Reed. They are spread throughout Arlington. The newly renovated Arlington Mill is due to open this summer.
“So, you sign up with Office of Senior Adult Programs,” Johnson said. “After that, you can come and partake in some of our classes at discounted rates. Some are free, some are fee-based. [The travel programs and trips are] another popular element. Then you get the ‘55+ Program Guide.’”
Florian said she has yet to find an activity for any age group that is not available in Arlington.
“You can definitely find challenging things for you, whatever your fitness level is,” she said. “There are even basketball teams for 80-year-old women. It really helps you meet your goals, keep you fit and keep you staying sociable as you age.”
Johnson said the Office of Senior Adult Programs sets out to fulfill senior citizens’ needs and keep up qualify of life standards.
“We strive to provide Arlington seniors with programming and resources to stimulate their minds and talents, keep their brains and bodies active, make social connections, expand their horizons through learning and travel, and have fun,” Johnson said. “‘The 55+ Guide’ is 36 pages packed with programs, services and events, some free and some fee-based. We encourage people to go out and explore programs at different centers, meet new people and most of all enjoy life and have fun.”