The Heartbeat of Senior Living
Washington County’s Senior Center offers area residents physical and mental activities for their golden years
By Laura Forrest Hopfauf
Our elder years shouldn’t be lonely, and retirement should be a time of life that is fun, exciting, and social. But after losing the schedule and friends that went along with a career, what initially feels like freedom can become bleak and depressing, especially if you’re faced with empty days alone at home.
As the heart and soul of the local elder community, the Washington County Senior Center helps the 55-and-over sect avoid such pitfalls of retirement. The modern facility on East Franklin Street in Hagerstown provides a safe space for seniors to congregate and offers an array of programs and activities. The facility also provides a gym known as Senior Fit and a quarter-mile walking loop around the property.
“Staying at home alone is not the best option if you can come to the senior center and take part in many wonderful classes and meet equally wonderful people. It enriches your life at a time when others retire from life,” says Patty Apostolides, who has been a member for two years.
Members of the senior center are able to participate in classes and activities that range from guitar instruction to conversational Spanish, Tai Chi to chair yoga, and knitting to watercolors for free or at a nominal fee. There is such a variety of classes that all county seniors can find something that lights them up with passion.
“The resources here are phenomenal,” says Pam Wassam, a member of the senior center.
“We’ve actually had new retirees come in and say they are bored,” says Abby Housel, senior activities center program manager. “Retirement shouldn’t be a time when you have nothing to do. The senior center is here to help you flourish, whether it’s by continuing activity of past interest or trying something new.”
At its heart the senior center isn’t just about what you can do, it’s about who you meet and who it allows you to become in your golden years. At the base of all the classes, activities, and presentations is social connection, fellowship, and friendship in a community of seniors all entering the same stage of life and looking to continue to grow.
“Everyone is friendly, and I’ve made many friends as a result,” Apostolides says. “It is wonderful to come here and spend time with them.”
Whether you’re interested in strength training, learning to draw, speaking Spanish, square dancing, cornhole, or even wanting to volunteer your time to teach a program, the senior center has a place for you and wants to welcome you into the elder community in Washington County that is alive and thriving so that you can continue to flourish well into your golden years.
“Many of our members are now living a healthier lifestyle due to the classes they’ve participated in here,” Housel says.
Being part of this community is a way to keep your spirit alive, your body healthy, and your mind active in retirement when being at home alone may make you feel like you have nothing to do.
“It changed my life. It can change yours,” Wassam says. “It will open doors that you can’t imagine when you’re just sitting at home with nothing to do.”
The senior center provides a welcoming environment for people in the community who are 55 plus to engage in programs that cover a wide variety of interests.
“Participation reduces isolation, which in turn promotes the mental health of our community members, especially those who don’t have strong social connections nearby,” says Housel.
Outside of the regularly scheduled activities, the senior center also hosts outdoor concerts that are sometimes accompanied by a food or ice cream truck, guest speakers, health presentations, and history talks along with wellness programs run by The Washington County Commission on Aging.
“We are always looking to add new programs to our calendar and seek community members who would like to volunteer their time to teach a program,” says Housel.
No matter what your interests are, the senior center will have something for you to do or something new for you to try.
“It’s a great community of members that bring their experiences, talents, and love to share with others,” says Apostolides. “I am blessed that we have it in our community.”
Washington County Senior Center
Where: 535 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown
When: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Membership: Joining the senior center is free and open to independent adults over the age of 55. Becoming a member is as easy as stopping in to complete a registration form or downloading the application online from their website and bringing it completed to the center along with a photo ID.
Also: The facility has a fitness center known as Senior Fit and a quarter-mile walking loop around the property.