Explore Newberg-Area Senior Centers for Fun and More

The word “recreation” comes from the Latin for “to refresh and renew.” Happily, for seniors in Newberg, there are at least two centers that are brimming over with opportunities for R&R. The pastimes we’re highlighting here can be found at Newberg’s Chehalem Senior Center and the McMinnville Senior Center, a short 20-25-minute drive from Newberg.

Many of these activities are free or very low cost. A good number of them are also drop-in options with no reservations required. Check centers’ websites for more info.

You likely already know the importance of maintaining strong social ties with others in your community. Humans are the most social of creatures. “Yet, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when we were younger, leaving us vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness—and related health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease,” according to research by the National Institute on Aging.

Some people make friends more easily than others, certainly. Still, it’s helpful to have places like senior centers, whose primary purpose is to enhance the quality of life for older adults by keeping them busy, engaged, and active (whatever that means for each individual, of course).

Chehalem Senior Center

Let’s begin with the Chehalem Senior Center.

Coffee and conversation are always percolating, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Monday through Friday). Many of the center’s groups are long-established, such as:

Billiards, hand and foot (like canasta), pinochle, mahjong, dominos, and China painters (the ancient art of painting on porcelain).
Stimulate your brain and/or your creative bent with the book club and the “Crafty Ladies & Gents” club.
Day trips (such as a recent offering to the gorgeous Oregon coast) are offered regularly, as is the AARP safe-driving class.
The Elderberry Jam Choir welcomes everyone—with no special talents required. This is a great option, as group singing is proven to yield many benefits, including a boost in happiness, an enhanced sense of community, the release of the feel-good chemical (endorphins), and even a strengthened immune system.
There’s even an economical ($30 per appointment) foot clinic that offers a range of basic services provided by a licensed technician.

Next Up: McMinnville Senior Center

Fitness Finds!

McMinnville Parks and Recreation, which operates the center, partners with Silver & Fit, Silver Sneakers, and Renew Active to offer benefits to those whose insurance coverage includes one or more of these senior-fitness programs. (If you’re unsure about your ability to join one of these groups, contact your health insurance company to inquire.) There’s even an economical ($30 per appointment) foot clinic that offers a range of basic services provided by a licensed technician.
With two different sessions for people of varying degrees of experience, biking is big among center members. The McMinnville Cranks Biking Group covers 20-40 miles per excursion. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, the Easy Riders Biking Group covers 10 to 12 miles per outing in the McMinnville area.

Arts, Music and Special Interest offerings transport you from the crafts studio to the great outdoors.

For example:

Senior Quilters: Quilts that are donated to families, charitable organizations, and people in need are crafted by this all-volunteer crew.
Wood Carvers: Participants bring wood projects and tools to chat to whittle away the time together.
Sip-n-Paint: Enjoy sparkling cider while creating an 11” x 14” acrylic painting (with step-by-step instructions). Supplies included.

Game On!

Bring a team of 1-5 people and prepare to polish up that gray matter with a trivia fest. (Upcoming trivia nights are August 10 and September 14.)

Peruse the choices described above and find something that suits your fancy. You’re bound to have fun and encounter some nice people.

And speaking of meeting new people, our Newberg Visiting Angels caregivers are some of the best around. We serve older adults and their families with compassion, kindness, and empathy. To find out more about our home care offerings, please schedule a free, in-home consultation. We’d welcome an opportunity to talk with you and answer any questions you have. Please give us a call at (503) 538-9505.