Senior Centers

Abstract

Nationally, 11,000 senior centers play a vital role in supporting community-dwelling older adults by offering a diverse array of recreational, nutritional, health, and social service programs. The purpose of this study was to identify innovative models of senior centers nationwide and evaluate their impact on the communities they serve. Applying a multiple-case study approach to a national survey sample, six innovative models were identified by members of the New Models Taskforce (NMTF), a project sponsored by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). The NMTF hoped to document the innovative efforts of senior centers to reimagine and reposition themselves within the aging services field. This article will highlight the defining characteristics of each model and discuss their implications for the field. The potential impact of each model on the senior center field will be illustrated.