"Boomer centers": a new name for senior centers?
by danny bloom
As “senior centers” prep for ‘baby boomer‘ boom — what about calling them BOOMER CENTERS or BOOMER CAFES or BOOMER BISTROS?
BOOMER CENTRAL — Hey, you aging baby boomers out there — there are 8,000 of us turning 60 every day now! — and you senior center directors around the country who manage and administer and direct senior centers in many varied regions with many varied clients: What do you think about my wild and crazy boomer idea of renaming some senior centers in some areas of the USA and Canada as “boomer centers” or “boomer cafes” — or even in some instances as “boomer bistros”?
Examples: the Springfield Boomer Center in Springfield, Massachusetts or the San Mateo Boomer Cafe in California or Brighton Boomer Bistro in Brighton, Washington or the Toronto Boomer Cafe in Canada. What do you think?
Of course, not every senior center would change its name and only those whose directors and residents wanted to change might do so, but as more boomers come into the pipeline, some boomers might like these kinds of name changes. Not everyone. But what do you think of the
idea?
A recent Associated Press story put it in black and white: “Susan Lather envisions a day when paninis and mock cocktails will take their place next to fruit cups and club sandwiches on the lunch menu at the Enfield Senior Center. Changing food preferences are among many adjustments that senior center directors nationwide, including Lather, expect to make in the next decade as they balance the wishes of their elderly stalwarts with those of baby boomer newcomers.”
The story noted: “Some even have taken ‘senior’ out of their names, christening the facilities “community centers.” It’s a nod to boomers who acknowledge they are aging but bristle at the term “senior” and the stereotypes of fragility or dependency.
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Penny Peters
Why not ENCORE CENTER? [or Encore Cafe, or Encore House, or Encore Group, etc.]. Not only does that unite everyone in the second half of life [no matter what their age or interest], there’s already a top notch web site!
Name change is necessary
Most of the "boomers", including myself do not like this name. The shift could possibly include a thought shift as well. I believe that something like "valued citizen" will encourage a change in both, thought and deed.
I many cultures, elderly are very highly regarded and respected. I think we should embrace this and work hard getting it right.
Maybe the centers where our "valued citizens" reside could change their names completely so there would be no mention as to type of care. I would like to say that I reside at "Bell Towers" rather than Elkwoods Senior Center.
Rethinking Names and Functions
More thoughts … wouldn’t it be appropriate to have current and future users of centers provide information about their preferences? This site could develop a web based survey to collect thoughts from local centers ( I could develop one as well, but I don’t currently have the time). I think, in order to create a sense of community, localized preferences should have priority. We have enough “chain store” identities. If some consistent identity is needed, a subtitle could be used. For example, an earlier post suggest“Life Centers”, a small lettered subtitle could be added to denote a funding source like “An Area on Aging Network” or something of that sort.
Also, although I dread the thought of commercializing it, local corporations would likely provide some funding for centers if they included their corporate name or logo. Much like stadiums…there are multiple benefits to this approach with some downsides as well.
Any other thoughts?
I agree, John…good points,
I agree, John…good points, no need for chain store mentality here….i think BOOMER CENTERS if that name is ever used, would be just a nickname by media. not used officially….but one never knows…...i kinda like the idea of spending an afternoon when I am 69 at the Longmeadow Boomer Cafe, why not?
"Boomers"
I am a member of SHiFT Org in Minneapolis and I am receiving feedback from the hundreds of "boomers" up here in the Twin Cities that they do not like this title either. Perhaps we rethink the whole effort and ask all of us what we want instead of a few individuals deciding. Here is my vote for something like "life centers".
I like life centers too.
I like life centers too. good name…..boomer centers i think would just a media nickanme…...but whatever name is finally chosen, or used…..used…..will be up to the people who use those centers, yes. let the name choosing begin!
re John Kenyon comment
I agree completely, John….not only name changes are needed, whatever they will be in the future, and BOOMER CENTER or BOOMER CAFE is a good beginning, but yes, the functions and activities offered must be updated too. Good ideas, yes. IT WILL HAPPEN. HAS TO.
New Name for Senior Centers
Sounds like an idea whose time has come. In my conversations with some Senior Center directors, they would agree. Baby Boomers are not attracted to the current image of Senior Centers, and rarely visit them. However, in order to make these centers sustainably more attractive to Boomers, I think their functions should change as well. Bingo, Hawaiian Days, and travel-logues belong to a different generation. My preference would be for adding resources, and multi-generational activities based on community needs, and interest. For example, providing job search, business incubators, and skills workshops to name a few.
Also, how about providing high quality coffees,and good dainish selections? So, while I am in favor of a name change, I think a function change is also needed.
Boomer Centers/Seniorpreneur Project
Joe Wasylyk Seniorpreneur
I believe that future ‘Boomer Centers’ should focus more on business and non-business subjects that are organized around the mission of Lifelong Learning (education). There will always be a practical use for Senior Centers because a lot of people boomers included will not want to pursue either Encore careers OR entrepreneurial projects. However; Lifelong Learning Centers can be created and be able to exist along side the traditional Senior Centers; AND John, I think this could be the reasonable function change that is urgently required.
Joe Wasylyk
Lifelong Learning Centers
Joe,
I’d agree that lifelong learning would be an important focus of senior centers. Moreover, many community colleges offer lifelong learning through continuing education classes that could be offered on campuses and/or at the centers as well. It really depende upon local needs like whether a function displaces existing functions offered by other entities. Many senior centers already offer a variety of classes, and informational forums that range from consumer protection to watercolor classes.
Also, I didn’t mean to imply other functions should preclude the social networking nature of senior centers. Hopefully, additional functions will enhance social engagement. I do think they need to serve better coffee, though! lol
Lifelong Learning Centers
Joe Wasylyk Seniorpreneur
I believe that current Senior Centers will just serve the lowest common denominator. For more enhanced social engagement we will need new locations offering more creative solutions.
Joe Wasylyk
Lifelong Long Learning Centers
I agree Joe. Interesting that you mention the need for new locations. Whenever I travel to other cities’ civic centers, I usually see a Senior Center sign with an arrow pointing away from city hall, usually to a remote location. I think that’s indicative of current society’s view of senior involvement. The preference is to recognize they (seniors) exist, but let’s keep them away from civic engagement. It reminds me of what we do with locating prisons away from population centers, and may send a subtle message that seniors are social outcasts. At least that’s one interpretation of why they are often rremotely located.
Suggested University Lifestyle for 50+
Your topic on locations is interesting. I hope the following contributes to how to change this condition, with larger benefits.
Many focus their communications on describing conditions about the
economy, energy use, the environment, social burdens, education, social
security, medicare, health care, government spending, taxation and
community service. These become our issues for political debate.
I offer, a suggestion on how to create a new, and sustainable American Dream, with a favorable net impact on these issues.
Provide
a high quality, low cost, engaging lifestyle for those 50+ on Urban
Public University Campuses by investing in 1,000,000 new shared housing
arrangements, and sending people 50+, back to school, full time. This
is an investment, because it provides an attractive return.
How much a person needs to "retire" is a function of their cost of living.
Demographics of an aging population, require that we adjust to new realities.
Wealth accumulated in savings, 401k’s and home equity has been reduced.
Desirable
and realist retirement is being redefined. Work is good, perhaps for
less money, but more engaging, meaningful and contributory rolls.
Picture this.
A
good lifestyle, where your total cost of living expenses are $20,000
per year. The same cost to attend public universities now. This is
roughly $10K, for room, board, transportation, utilities, food and
entertainment. and another $10K for tuition, books, fees etc. You work,
20 hours per week at $10 per hour, 40 weeks per year, generating an
income of $8,000 per year. You attend classes for 10 to 15 hours a
week, and study, do homework, prepare for class 20 to 30 hours per
week. Not bad, compared with 60 hour work weeks.
This is Not
Del Webb, model of segregating old people into a life of leisure, with
activities to stay busy. Rather, it is inter generational social
engagement, creating the ability to contribute, remain functional and
"work", although in different more relevant ways.
What will this do and how will it help?
Economic lens
ability to retool the population where with skills for knowledge
work(Education, Health Care, Non-profit and Government Employment.
more good, high paying jobs for those 20 to 50, when they need it to
raise families, by providing a viable path for those 50+ to exit, right
sizing their lifestyle for something more meaningful, that is
affordable.
.
Energy and Environment
Social Security.
If the cost of living is less, the social security requirements will be less, to maintain a good standard of living.
Medicare:
Education:
Energy and Environmental:
Social Security
Health Care Costs
Civic Responsibility
Political