When people talk about helping seniors age in comfort, they tend to think about limitations rather than opportunities. They\u2019re thinking exclusively about what seniors can\u2019t do instead of how to help them reach new goals. It\u2019s no wonder seniors spending their days alone, working on quiet hobbies is such a stereotype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we know that stereotype just isn\u2019t true. Seniors in Licking County are an active and vital part of the community. They\u2019re more involved than ever, spending their days learning, volunteering and chasing their dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Newark area has a wealth of opportunities for seniors like group exercise classes, volunteering opportunities, and continuing education programs. Here are some of the ways to support and celebrate your seniors in Licking County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One such business is River Road Coffeehouse<\/a> in Granville. This family business is located in an old Victorian farmhouse situated right at the gateway to town on New River Road. It was founded in 2003 by local senior Mark Forman and his son David, who still run it today along with his daughter Stacey. They dreamed of serving top-quality coffee and espresso in a place that would become a center of the community while supporting local vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over twenty years later, it\u2019s clear that the Formans succeeded. In the two decades since its founding, River Road has expanded, opening two branches in Newark and acquiring Wiggin Street Coffee<\/a> in Gambier. The coffeehouse displays pieces from local artists on an ongoing basis, so you can appreciate their work\u2014and even purchase some if you like. They also host regular live concerts with musicians from the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter your age, learning never becomes any less important. Not only does it improve social connections and life satisfaction, seniors who continue to explore and cultivate skills have a lower chance of cognitive degeneration. That\u2019s why learning is crucial for seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Licking County, your loved one is in luck. Ohio State University Newark Branch<\/a> offers Program 60<\/a>, a program that gives people aged 60 and older the chance to audit real college classes, free of cost. And Central Ohio Technical College<\/a> offers a variety of classes specifically for seniors through their Lifelong Learning Institute<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercising improves strength, endurance and mobility\u2014but that barely scratches the surface of its benefits. Working out regularly can drastically improve both physical and mental health, especially for seniors. In fact, the CDC says that, among its many benefits, exercise even reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, exercising at home isn\u2019t easy for seniors. There are a variety of reasons why they might be avoiding exercising at home, including a lack of equipment, worries about their capability or just finding at-home exercise boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your loved one struggles to exercise solo, a group workout class built for seniors can help\u2014and in Licking County, it\u2019s a fantastic opportunity for them to socialize as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s because the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA<\/a> in Newark offers a huge range of exercise programs specifically for seniors. Through programs like SilverSneakers<\/a>, SilverFit<\/a> and Renew Active<\/a>, they can take classes like gentle yoga, water aerobics and even tap dance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If they\u2019re the adventurous type, the YMCA also organizes day trips for seniors to interesting places like Amish Country. These trips give older adults the chance to keep exploring the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Greater Newark area truly cares for its seniors\u2014and through the Licking County Task Force on Aging, it puts its money where its mouth is. This organization unites a wide variety of local leaders to invest in making genuine improvements to the lives of seniors in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through their advocacy, the Task Force has made real improvements to local seniors’ quality of life. They\u2019ve found ways to reduce their cost of living, connected them to crucial services, given them reliable transportation and even helped them find housing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Task Force has transitioned to a private Facebook page, but our own COO Bethany Cain<\/a> happens to be the group\u2019s Vice President. If you\u2019re interested in getting involved, feel free to reach out<\/a>\u2014we\u2019ll put you in touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Ohio has a proud history of civic involvement, and nobody knows it better than former Granville history teacher Dorothy Garrett<\/a>. Retirement hasn\u2019t dulled Garrett\u2019s keen interest in our nation\u2019s past\u2014she\u2019s moved on to volunteer at the Robbins Hunter Museum<\/a>, the Granville Historical Society<\/a> and the Columbus Museum of Art<\/a>. Her active involvement in the Licking County League of Women Voters<\/a> shows that passion for civic engagement is stronger than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople ought to get involved in what’s going on around them,\u201d says Garrett. \u201cAnd they ought to develop feelings one way or the other about how they’re governed and how our democracy works.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n With exercise groups, day trips and senior-run businesses to support, there\u2019s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate the outstanding seniors in Licking County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your loved one needs a walking buddy or help getting to a live music night at River Road Coffeehouse, companion care can help Licking County\u2019s elders continue to thrive and grow. The skilled and compassionate caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Licking and Fairfield Counties<\/a> will get to know them personally, offering genuine warmth and companionship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Supporting and Celebrating Seniors in Licking County, OH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n