Senior Centers

The US Center on Aging reports that the first senior center opened 59 years ago in New York City under city sponsorship. There are now some 15,000 centers across the country, serving close to 10 million older adults annually. Since 1965, the Older Americans Act has provided some funding support to over 6,000 senior centers through service contracts for program activities. Many non-profit organizations also provide funding for Senior Centers. Not only do senior centers offer helpful resources to older adults, they serve the entire community with information on aging; support for family caregivers, training professionals, lay leaders and students; and developments of innovative approaches to addressing aging issues.

Senior centers are designated as community focal points through the Older Americans Act. While senior centers typically provide nutrition, recreation, social and educational services, and comprehensive information and referral, many centers are adding new programs such as fitness activities and Internet training to meet the needs and interests of the new generation of seniors. Please refer to the Resources section on this page for a complete list of Senior Centers in Utah along with their address and contact numbers.