Gallatin Senior Citizens Center is scrambling to find ways to attract this untapped consumer resource.
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The baby boomers have arrived and the Gallatin Senior Citizens Center is scrambling to find ways to attract this untapped consumer resource.
Since its foundation in 1977, the Center has been supported by a group of spry, vibrant participants, some of which have been going there for more than 20 years.
“Now they’re moving away,” says Deanna Lewis, director. “They’re moving into nursing homes. Or they’re moving to be closer to their children. Some have passed away.”
The gap is not being filled by the next generation, and their absence is felt in the Center’s funding. “Baby boomers aren’t coming to the center to eat dinner,” says Deanna. “Since we receive funding for each meal we serve, we lost almost $5,300 of our budgeted income for last fiscal year.”
At the same time, the center’s operating expenses are up, especially raw foods and utilities.
“If we can’t serve meals to bring income in, we’re really going to be hurting,” says Deanna. She adds that the center is not likely to close: “Thankfully, our state representatives haven’t cut our program like they have other programs. They understand that home delivered meals keep seniors at home. Fewer of them will need to enter a nursing home.”
If baby boomers aren’t drawn to the center, lost revenue will have to be made up through fund-raisers.
“Putting together bake sales is a difficult task for people in their 70s and 80s,” says Deanna.
To bring in funds and continue playing a vital role in the community, the Gallatin Senior Center needs to plan for future trends. Deanna says, “Our whole clientele is changing. We need to attract the baby boomers. What can we offer them? What activities do they enjoy?”
The timing and nature of retirement is changing. Baby boomers don’t slow down. Even after retirement, many choose to work part-time. Other interests compete for their time.
“They’re not ready for a senior center,” says Deanna. “They have more disposable income. They’re out traveling, golfing, camping. They have hobbies. They’re out enjoying life and that’s great.”
When they do have leisure time, the senior center may not be first on their list for socialization and entertainment.
“Baby boomers have a very low interest in the programs we currently offer, like crafts and quilting.
They want to stay active. Well, the center is a great place to volunteer. We need volunteers to help with home delivered meals, to do office work, to help with entertainment in the center, and work at fund-raisers. They can help with activities, lead exercises. After all, the day may come when their parents, or they themselves may utilize our services.”
Deanna is aware of the challenges ahead. The senior center must remain sensitive to the needs of those it currently serves, and at the same time offer innovative programs that will attract this new generation.
“When baby boomers hear the word ‘senior center,’ they don’t think it’s for them.”
That’s an image Deanna would like to change.
“Some people think our meals are welfare, a handout. It is not. If you’re not able to pay, that’s fine. But we encourage donations. There’s no junk food. It’s healthy, low fat, low cholesterol. Great food, great cooks. Nowhere else can you get all you can eat, drinks included, for just a donation.”
Deanna has been working to improve the facilities looks by remodeling and updating. The new strategies to create a more inviting image will be critical to the center’s future success.
“Times are changing. People are changing. We’re going to have to change, too. Down the road, where will the center be? I honestly don’t know.”
Baby boomers contact Deanna for suggestions.
“Please call. We need help with these programs. Don’t just throw ideas in the door but come in and help out. Lead. Share your talents and gifts with us.”