Study after study shows something we all intuitively know: socialization is as essential for humans as food, water and air.
Without human interaction and engagement, our physical and mental health suffers as does our overall quality of life – and as our parents age, they can naturally become more isolated.
What can fill the gap left from work, widowhood and kids who are grown? Local senior centers are a perfect place for aging parents to turn for activities and companionship.
Most southeast Michigan cities have senior centers that offer games, outings and opportunities to forge friendships and keep seniors active and engaged.
Here are a few with robust programming and resources for Michigan seniors from each of the counties in our readership area. Check them out and see which one fits your parent’s needs. And if you can’t find one on this list for your mom or dad, check out Metro Parent’s directory of senior centers in the area.
Macomb County
Charter Township of Chesterfield Senior Center
- Address: 47275 Sugarbush Road, Chesterfield Township
- Phone: 586-649-6407
This center offers monthly activities and special events for individuals ages 55 and up. Look for weekly aerobics courses, book clubs, crafting and even poker.
Clinton Township Senior Center
- Address: 40730 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township
- Phone: 586-286-9333
Residents age 55-plus can enjoy card games, stained glass-making class, wood-carving, singalongs and more at this bustling center. Membership required, but it’s only $50 per person or $70 per couple for a lifetime.
Marvin Blank Senior Center
- Address: 51210 Alma Drive, Macomb
- Phone: 586-992-2900 ext. 2800
Offers sporting and fitness events like senior pickle ball and forever fit courses; plus crafting groups, special pizza and bingo nights, field trips and more.
Shelby Township Senior Center
- Address: 51670 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
- Phone: 586-739-7540
This center aims to keep seniors mentally, physically and socially happy with a wide variety of activities. Services include transportation, medical equipment, puzzles, and more. Fees are $3 for residents and $4 for non-residents.
Sterling Heights Senior Center
- Address: 40200 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Phone: 586-446-2750
Find drop-in activities, educational classes, travel opportunities, sports leagues and more. Activities are suitable for adults ages 50-plus, no matter their skill level.
Oakland County
Edna Burton Senior Center
- Address: 435 Ball St., Ortonville
- Phone: 248-627-6447
Register in advance for senior programming that includes sewing and embroidery clubs, art focused classes and computer information courses.
Highland Township Adult Activity Center
- Address: 209 N. John St., Highland
- Phone: 248-887-1707
Adults ages 55 and up can meet and socialize with others during this spots bingo events, exercise classes and dance parties. Also offers medical screening and a food program.
Independence Township Senior Community Center
- Address: 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston
- Phone: 248-625-8231
Seniors enjoy day trips to Broadway shows, museums, sporting events and casinos along with overnight extended travel and fun activities, too.
Pearl Wright Senior Center
- Address: 21131 Garden Lane, Ferndale
- Phone: 248-547-9800
Find a wide variety of activities from bingo and bowling to movies and casino visits. Offers food and transportation, too.
Troy Community Senior Center
- Address: 3179 Livernois, Troy
- Phone: 248-524-3484
Offers nationally accredited 50-plus programs such as painting, ballroom dancing, quilting, mahjong, bingo and much more. Its Medi-Go Plus service provides door-to-door transporation for just $2 for a one-way ride.
Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor Senior Center
- Address: 1320 Baldwin Ave., Ann Arbor
- Phone: 734-794-6250
Games such as Bridge and Scrabble are augmented with informative classes on subjects like legal rights and physical fitness opportunities from chair yoga to tai chi. Requires a $25 annual membership or $35 for families.
Dexter Senior Center
Address: 7720 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
Phone: 734-426-7737
Find ample opportunities to keep your aging parent active and physically fit at this center. Well-rounded meals available too.
Pittsfield Senior Center
- Address: 701 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
- Phone: 734-822-2117
Members of this center take advantage of fitness and wellness classes, music courses, weekly gaming events and much more. Membership fees are $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
Saline Area Senior Center
- Address: 7190 N. Maple Road, Saline
- Phone: 734-429-9274
Adults ages 45-plus enjoy a wide array of creative and educational opportunities, travel adventures, special events and seasonal parties. Membership ranges from $10 for those over age 80 to $45.
Ypsilanti Senior Center
- Address: 1015 N. Congress St., Ypsilanti
- Phone: 734-483-5014
This spot offers classes like yoga and line dancing; plus swimming at the Rutherford pool, regular art classes and even meal plans.
Wayne County
City of Southgate Senior Center
- Address: 14700 Reaume Parkway, Southgate
- Phone: 734-258-3066
Tai Chi, bingo and chair exercise classes are just a few of the offerings here. Seniors that come to this spot also enjoy trips to the zoo, ball games, and stage shows. Transportation and medical equipment offered.
Livonia Civic Park Senior Center
- Address: 15218 Farmington Road, Livonia
- Phone: 734-466-2555
Offers roundtable discussions, continuing education classes, plus the regular roster of senior activities. There’s also a chore referral program for seniors who need help around their homes, plus hot meals for $3 at two sites in the city.
Northville Community Center Senior Services
- Address: 303 W. Main St., Northville
- Phone: 248-305-2851
Seniors take part in fun recreational opportunities and exciting events and field trips.
St. Patrick Senior Center, Inc.
- Address: 58 Parsons St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-7080
This spot offers a health and wellness clinic to monitor an aging person’s blood pressure, sugar levels and other important health factors and special social activities and fitness classes. Transportation and home improvement, too.
The Senior Alliance
- Address: 5454 Venoy Road, Wayne
- Phone: 734-722-2830
Find in-home care, special events and more. Advocacy, too, for families that need it.
