Not Your Granny’s Senior Center

Michele Coppola

50plus Magazine

After battling COVID for 18 long months, I was desperate to feel better and do something in the company of others. I sought out a local Zumba class and showed up ready to get my dance on.

Twenty minutes into the class I collapsed against a wall, mopping my face with my shirt, my heart beating a brutal bossa nova. Obviously, I was gonna need a milder salsa, at least to start.

The instructor recommended a lower-impact version called Zumba Gold, offered twice a week at The Elsie Stuhr Senior Center in Beaverton. I thought, me? At a senior center? Sure, I’m pushing 60, but hey — I listen to hip-hop. Love TikTok. Still make the occasional bad decision.

But I was determined. I wanted to be among humans and needed to move my body. So I showed up one early Thursday morning and checked in for class. Friendly retirees in jazzy leggings with cute, low-maintenance haircuts milled about, stretching and greeting each other.

I felt seriously out of place. Then, catching sight of myself in the mirrored wall I realized — even in my ponytail and shorts — I wasn’t. Not at all.

The class was a blast. And those friendly retirees kicked my butt in hot Latin style.

After class I strolled around the center, taking in comfy couches, a pool hall, state-of-the-art weight room, dining area, and various classrooms. The walls were adorned with flyers and calendars for dances, poker games, crafts, support groups, book clubs, excursions and classes. The place was literally buzzing with music and chatter.

The truth is, the words “senior center” had always brought to mind card tables full of “blue hairs” nodding off over bridge or knitting. And while, yes, crafting classes (and bingo, mah jong and more) are available, your local senior center is a great place to be — even if you still want to believe you’re too young to be there.

That’s what this girl discovered, and continues to enjoy. Pop in and see for yourself — you’ll be so glad you did!

Find a Center Near You

Today’s senior centers offer a wide variety of activities, including educational, fitness and other classes, live music, dances, outings and events, arts & crafts, games, movies, book clubs and even support services. Some are free while others have modest membership or activities fees. 

LANE COUNTY

Campbell Community Center

155 High St, Eugene

541 682 5318

eugene-or.gov/campbellcenter

Viking Sal Senior Center

245 W 5th Junction City

541 998 4767

Willamalane Adult

Activity Center

250 S. 32nd St, Springfield

541 736 4444  |  willamalane.org/facilities/adult_activity_center

LINN/BENTON COUNTY

Corvallis Community Center

2601 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis

541 766 6959  |  corvallisoregon.gov/c3

Riverfront Community Center

489 NW Water Ave, Albany

541-917-7760  |  cityofalbany.net/parks/facilities/community-center 

MARION/POLK COUNTY

Center 50+

2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem

503 588 6303

Cityofsalem.net/center50

Dallas Senior Center

817 SW Church St, Dallas

503 623 8554  

Keizer/Salem Area Senior Center

930 Plymouth Dr NE, Keizer

503 390 7441  |  ksascenter.com 

South Salem Senior Center

6450 Fairway Ave SE, Salem

503 588 0748  |  southsalemseniors.org