An examination of best practice in multi-service senior centres

It is important in the development of any multi-purpose senior centre model to thoroughly examine the characteristics of the local older adult population, the service needs of current and future participants, and perceptions of senior centres by both users and non-users. [...] Collaboration promotes senior centres as active participants in the continuum of care for Calgary seniors, and will allow the Kerby Centre to offer a diverse range of programs and services to meet the needs of an equally diverse current and future senior population. [...] In addressing the issues facing senior centres, the CSCS observed a number of weaknesses among current senior centres, including: a lack of understanding among the community, including individuals, businesses, and service providers of the relevance of senior centres; the negative perception of senior centres by younger seniors; lack of space, resources, and funding; and lack of collaboration. [...] Pardasani and colleagues (2009) discuss typologies of the elderly based on age: the young-old (65- 74), currently the largest proportion of the elderly population; the old-old/middle elderly (75-84); and the oldest-old/frail elderly (84+), currently the smallest portion of the older adult population but expected to experience the biggest increase by 2050. [...] As Pardasani (2010) asserts, it is important for senior centres to acknowledge the increasing diversity of the senior population, and in turn address the diversity and relevance of the programs offered for a variety of populations.