As we enter our golden years, it becomes increasingly difficult to make new friends and build strong support networks. Luckily, senior centers are a great way to stay connected and prevent social isolation – a dangerous phenomenon leading to many age-related diseases. New Orleans is at the hub of the silver tsunami, and with a growing senior citizen population, there are numerous senior centers to choose from. Below is a list of senior centers in the greater New Orleans area.
List of Senior Centers in New Orleans
- Gentilly Senior Center
4726 Paris Ave
New Orleans, LA 70122
(504) 283-9040 - Mercy Endeavors Senior Center
457 Jackson Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 568-0607 - Kinship Center
921 S Carrollton Ave #1143
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 314-0300 - Pontchartrain Park Senior Center
6520 Congress Dr
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 282-2112 - Hollygrove Multipurpose Senior Center
3300 Hamilton St
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 486-3151 - Lakeview Sheppard Center
316 38th Street
New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 484-0885 - Harmony House
2201 Barracks St
New Orleans, LA 70116 - Arthur Monday Senior Center
1111 Newton St
New Orleans, LA 70114
(504) 517-3580 - Uptown Shepherds Center
921 South Corrollton Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118
504-314-0309
Services Provided
Senior centers provide more than just a place for seniors to spend time during the day. The centers act as a hub for various activities tailored to older generations, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, lectures on health topics, bridge classes, singing groups, billiards games, and more. Ultimately, senior centers provide aging adults with an opportunity to be active in both mind and body while having fun at the same time.
Many senior centers provide meals for their members. These meals are often a mainstay for older adults who may be unable to cook for themselves. Depending on the center, these could be traditional home-cooked meals or, in some cases, prepared by a professional chef. Some senior centers offer specific cuisines and food choices to accommodate their clients’ varied tastes and needs.
Adult Day Care vs. Senior Centers… Which is Right for You?
The concept of aging gracefully is to live the happiest and healthiest life possible as we grow older. Small things like sufficient exercise, staying hydrated and social engagement go a long way towards longevity. Senior centers do an excellent job of promoting health and wellness; however, sometimes, senior centers are not the best place for older adults to meet their needs. A higher level of care is required in such circumstances, and an adult day healthcare center is a better option.
Adult day healthcare centers provide care and supervision for adults who cannot live independently. Many centers offer physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and assistance with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other age-related diseases. Most centers also offer prepared meals, daily activities, and transportation.