National Senior Center Month in Chester & Lancaster Counties

September is National Senior Center Month, a nationwide observance that recognizes how senior centers enrich the lives of older adults and strengthen our communities.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), over 11,000 senior centers serve more than 1 million older adults daily. Research indicates that adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and even delay the onset of chronic diseases, while improving their physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being. This emphasizes the importance of highlighting the programs, activities, and services that local senior centers offer.

Supporting these centers means supporting vibrant, independent aging. Continue reading to explore a few standout senior centers in Chester and Lancaster Counties and see how you or a loved one can begin to get involved.

Senior Centers in Chester County

West Chester Area Senior Center

The West Chester Area Senior Center has earned a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” distinction by Greatnonprofits for six consecutive years. WCASC offers vital programs and services that promote the health and well-being of seniors.

All residents aged 50 and older are welcome to participate, and guided tours are offered for newcomers. While membership is optional, anyone 60+ may enroll to access the full suite of benefits.

WCASC provides fitness classes across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, including Arthritis, Strength & Stretching, Silver Sneakers Classic, Cardio/Core, Total Body Workout, Circuit, and Friday Fun Fitness. For a full list of classes and a calendar schedule, learn more here.

Additionally, they supply nutritional education to equip seniors with essential guidance on healthy eating, hydration, sun safety, and more. Learn more about their nutritional programming here. Beyond fitness and nutrition, they offer technological support via Jim Mobile, details available here.

Visit the West Chester Area Senior Center FAQ’s page to learn more details and plan your visit!

Wayne Senior Center

The Wayne Senior Center serves older adults across the greater Philadelphia area. They offer a $36 annual membership, which is optional but provides benefits such as class discounts and access to WSC Connect, their virtual senior center.

WSC hosts a broad spectrum of programs, from creative arts and educational sessions to entertainment offerings, consumer awareness workshops, and even special events. You can explore the full program list here.

Their fitness offerings include meditation, chair yoga, Tai Chi, and Silver Sneakers Classic. For a full list of fitness classes, learn more here. Additionally, the Wayne Senior Center provides social support services such as grief and loss support groups, and a men’s group for sharing stories and connecting, learn more here.

Technology is important for seniors to keep up to date with, which is why Wayne Senior Center offers workshops focusing on iPhone Basics, Online Safety, Travel Tech Tips, and Selling Online. Learn more about the technology workshops offered and keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming sessions here.

Visit the Wayne Senior Center FAQ’s page to learn more details.

Senior Centers in Lancaster County

Lancaster Senior Center

The Lancaster Senior Center offers a free membership for adults aged 60 and up. They offer exercise classes and programs offering activity and connection.

Some of the fitness classes offered include Ger-Fit Strength, Move Your Body, and Chair Yoga! Lancaster Senior Center also offers programs filled with fun senior orchestra, pottery and ceramics, art classes, corn hole, ukulele jamming, and much more!

For a full list of their fitness classes and programs, learn more here. They also offer virtual activities; check out the calendar here.

If you have questions for the Lancaster Senior Center, call 717-399-7671 or email cmiller@lancasterrec.org

Contact Us

Enriching seniors’ lives through fitness, social connection, lifelong learning, and engagement remains essential, especially during National Senior Center Month! If you or someone you know could benefit from participating in their local senior center, a Griswold-referred Caregiver can assist you! Contact Griswold Care Pairing for Chester and Lancaster Counties today!