DOUGLAS COUNTY SENIOR CENTER is there for you

Did you know if you are over 50 years old, you are qualified to utilize the many services of the Alexandria Senior Center?

Located at 414 Hawthorne St. in historic Downtown Alexandria, the center welcomes all. There is the Lorsung Art Studio, a variety of meeting rooms that anyone can rent, and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. There are activities and entertainment on a regular basis and there are also programs sponsored by AARP that utilize the Alexandria Senior Center space.

In today’s world, the term “senior” has a totally different meaning than it did 40 years ago. If you were a “senior” 40 years ago, you were likely in your early 60s. Due to advances in medicine and improved health care knowledge, the average life expectancy is far greater than it was in 1977. According to www.data360. org, average life expectancy in the United States for men and women today is 82 years. In 1977, the average life expectancy was 77 years. Today, more and more Americans are living well into their 90s or even hitting 100.

The Alexandria Senior Center was created in 1984 as a nonprofit organization. Then, and now, it is a local spot where seniors come together to enjoy cards, meals, special events and fellowship. While much has changed in the Alexandria Lakes region since 1984, the mission of the Alexandria Senior Center has not wavered.

The Alexandria Senior Center has grown its membership to an amazing 840 members. Members currently receive many benefits, including a monthly newsletter and reduced fees for meals, classes and facility room rentals. At the Senior Center, members have access to free internet and wi-fi, and some qualify for annual free income tax preparation. Nutrition Services Incorporated provides onsite lunches one day a week for seniors, and also provides the Meals on Wheels service for those unable to come to the center for lunch. The Alexandria Senior Center also has an extensive lending library and offers free computer and