AIR DATE AUGUST 24, 2023
Title: Empowering Seniors: A Look into Community Involvement and Active Living
Explore how seniors can enrich their lives through community involvement and active living, featuring insights from Hue Jacobs of Volunteer for Community Impact and Cheryl Fleming of the Renaissance Senior Center.
Guests
Volunteers for Community Impact, Executive Director – Hue Jacobs
Renaissance Senior Center, Site Supervisor III – Sheryl Fleming
The Importance of Community Involvement
Hue Jacobs of Volunteer for Community Impact underlines the role of seniors in community engagement, stating, “So we’re primarily involved in keeping seniors engaged in their local communities, keeping them active, and making Central Florida a better place to live and work.” Community involvement offers a sense of purpose and a platform for seniors to share their skills and experience.
Active Living and Its Benefits
Cheryl Fleming, with over 30 years of senior recreation experience, describes the Renaissance Senior Center as a “30,000 square foot senior recreation fun spot.” Active living is not merely about physical well-being but also about keeping the mind stimulated and involved.
Diverse Opportunities for Involvement
Jacobs elaborates on the programs offered by his organization, saying, “We have, I would say, four main programs that we have for volunteers in the community. So our volunteers are working with young children on all aspects of their educational development.” The scope for involvement is vast and varied, ranging from education to community service.
Community Centers as Hubs of Activity
Fleming mentions that the Renaissance Senior Center “was built on a CDBG grant, Community Development Block Grant back in 2007.” Such centers offer easy access to a variety of activities, making it convenient for seniors to stay involved and active.
Closing Thoughts
Whether through volunteering with children or participating in recreational activities, seniors have abundant opportunities to stay engaged and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Organizations like Volunteer for Community Impact and Renaissance Senior Center provide the platforms and programs to make this possible.
By embracing both community involvement and active living, seniors not only enrich their own lives but also make valuable contributions to society. If you’re a senior or know one, take the first step today—it’s never too late to get involved.
