Five Questions for...Jennifer Gurwitch on the Capping-off of the new Senior Center

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the new building?

The new senior center was carefully designed by AI3 architects to be user friendly and modern. The building will be more eco-friendly, with an open design, and large windows for natural lighting. The design includes a game room, a ceramics area, and space for a Friends of the Council on Aging gift shop. All activities will take place on the main floor, ground level entrance. There is an elevator providing access to the lower level outdoor courtyard and future senior day care center. The beautiful brick and mortar exterior will blend with the new Plymouth North High School and maintains a style consistent with our New England heritage.

The increase in space will allow us to offer multiple activities and seminars at the same time. The new building will be located at 44 Nook Road, directly next to the new Plymouth North High School. We are planning to collaborate with the high school to incorporate intergenerational programs into our schedule of activities.

2. When will the COA be able to move in?

The projected date for COA to move in to the new center is set for December of 2012.

3. There are some people in town who say you don't need a senior center, or that the baby boomers won't use it. How would you answer them?

COA utilizes the “My Senior Center” tracking system. Patrons, who participate on a regular basis, scan in to the touch screen system and sign in to their activities for the day. This enables us to track how many
people participate in which activities. Last month COA had over 2,500 scans, 2184 Meals-on-Wheels were delivered by volunteers out into the community, and 622 congregate style meals were served in COA’s dining room. We also assist a large number of community members who do not have scan cards, and come in to COA for short term services offered by our Social/Outreach Worker, SHINE workers, tax representatives, foot care, and hearing specialists.

Regarding the baby boomers use of the facility, a few years ago, the average age of seniors participating in activities and seminars at COA was 74. Last year the average age dropped to 68. People are accessing
services earlier in their lives. Seniors today are increasingly aware of how being informed and how their physical and social well being impacts the quality of their lives. COA would suggest that anyone in the over 60 category living in Plymouth, should call (508) 830-4230 and request a copy of our monthly newsletter, “Senior Scoop”, to keep abreast of all of our activities and events. You may also find the information on our website www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_COA

4. Why is it so important to have a senior center in Plymouth?

We have seen tremendous growth over the past few years in the town of Plymouth. With the recent developments of The Shops at Five, Colony Place, and The Pinehills, Plymouth is a destination town. The number of 55+ communities is also on the rise, indicating we are a retirement destination town. The Council on Aging is the access point to multiple services for our community’s senior members; including information and referral, lifetime education, social events, exercise programs, health, and nutritional services. As the population continues to grow, so will the community’s interest in COA.

5. What are you looking forward to most about the new building?

“If you build it, they will come.” The opening of the new building will reignite interest of community members to visit the center. When COA moved from Court Street to Cordage Park, the community’s interest grew and participation increased. When the towns of Kingston and Duxbury opened their new senior centers, participation from the community grew exponentially. The building will be more centrally located within the town of Plymouth, allowing easier access to all of the wonderful programs and services we offer. With increased community outreach, social services, intergenerational programming, and a plethora of recreational and lifelong learning opportunities; we are looking forward to becoming a major focal point of activities and resources for the town of Plymouth.