American senior centers are a remarkably young institution. “While working for New York City's Department of Welfare in 1943, Harry Levine says, he saw that nothing was being done to relieve ‘the loneliness of the elderly,' ” according to a New York Times article on the center’s 40th anniversary in 1984. Thanks to efforts by Levine, the William Hodson Senior Center in the Bronx, New York, was reportedly the first one to open in the United States. ''We have created a concept for older people that enables them to live longer,'' Levine told the newspaper in 1984. ''Before this center there were no resources in the community for the elderly.'' 

Today, according to the National Council on Aging (NCA), more than 10,000 senior centers across the nation provide services daily to an estimated one million adults aged 50 and over. Research has proven Levine correct about the benefits of senior centers. “Compared with their peers, senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and life satisfaction,” say NCA officials.

In September, the Pleasanton Senior Center on Sunol Boulevard celebrated its 30th anniversary with a month-long celebration. Those who use the center owe a debt of gratitude to the city’s Senior Center Task Force, which was created in 1985 and worked for many years to make the senior center a reality, according to a 2014 Pleasanton Senior Center Volunteer Manual.

“The Pleasanton Senior Center, under the direction and volunteer efforts of the seniors themselves, is the focal point for all Pleasanton Senior Services,” notes the manual. “The 22,00-square-foot building is surrounded by Centennial Community Park, a 6.3-acre park designed to complement the center. The Pleasanton Senior Center features a 5,000-square-foot Main Hall, a multiuse space that can host over 300 people for sit-down dining, or accommodate a growing number of health and fitness classes. Additionally, the Wood Shop, Arts and Crafts Room, Meeting Room and Classroom, and Boutique provide ample space for a wide range of life-long learning opportunities.”

There is much to celebrate for the seniors who use the programs and services available at the Pleasanton Senior Center. It is open to anyone aged 50 or older, even if they live outside of Pleasanton. Staff at the center can connect users to a network of senior resources to help seniors and their families find services that contribute to the well-being of the older population, according to Zack Silva, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Pleasanton.

“Outsiders would be surprised by the variety of programs and services offered at the Senior Center,” he says. “This variety captures something of interest for most seniors, including fitness, socializing, traveling, meals, woodshop, and shopping.  We have many seniors who utilize the center daily, or stop in and catch up when they can.”

Current fitness classes at the center include aerobics, fall prevention, line dancing, strength training, Tai Chi, and yoga. There are several groups that focus on specific social activities, including cycling, walking, knitting, and painting in watercolors. There are also drop-in games such as bingo, poker, and bridge as well as tech tutoring at the center, which is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm on weekdays.

The Pleasanton Senior Center is heavily supported by friendly volunteers who greet participants, provide information, and lead many of the programs, according to Silva. It is also supported by the Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center nonprofit. “The Friends host large social events at the center, including the Holiday Social, which will be held on December 7 this year,” notes Silva. “This festive event brings holiday cheer to the center and participants.” Registration opens on November 1, 2023.

For more information about the Pleasanton Senior Center, please visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/cs/senior/default.asp or call (925) 931-5365.

For more information about the Friends of Pleasanton Senior Center, please visit www.seniorcenterfriends.org.