Senior Centers Help Older Adults Both Physically and Mentally

With 37.3 percent of Ohio’s population aged 50 and older, Ohio has one of the biggest senior citizen populations in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, physically and mentally. For senior citizens, social isolation, along with fear led to some very difficult times, and in some cases neurological challenges.

Senior centers are joyous hubs to stay physically active, and to make true connections.  With the addition of safety guidelines for COVID-19, some found themselves isolated, and away from their dependable routines.  As a result,  physical and mental health challenges were presented.  Now, as restrictions have loosened, seniors are finding themselves with a fresh sense of hope and freedom.

“Socialization and physical activity are both really, really important aspects of maintaining cognitive health and brain health,” Jared Stroud,  MD, geriatrician at the OhioHealth John J. Gerlach Center for Senior Health told The Columbus Dispatch. 

Dr. Stroud has noticed the increase of mental and physical health within senior centers after re-opening since the pandemic.

“Anything that helps in that regard is going to be a positive, whether it be a senior center, and adult day care, whether it be they just go out to lunch with their friends at Bob Evans or wherever,” Stroud told Dispatch reporter Jessica Orozco.

The reopening of public places means more social and physical interactions. Dr. Stroud mentions the noticeability of positive changes in his patients. Healthy mental and physical health are critical factors to maintain a comfortable quality of life.

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