SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — In March, senior centers around Syracuse were still closed. The Syracuse Parks Department started up a drive-through lunch program but today’s reality of in-person activities still felt very far away.
“We did nothing,” said local senior Janet Miller. “My chiropractor actually streamed exercises online.”
Miller also joined in socially distanced walks with a few of her friends from the senior center, but it was a very lonely time for Miller, as well as her whole segment of the population, which can often rely on the social interaction that a senior center provides.
“A lot of seniors spent a lot of time by themselves and I felt what they felt,” said the Bob Cecile Community Center Coordinator Jacqueline Hallmon.
Hallmon lives by herself, providing a window into the experience of many of the seniors that have now returned to the halls of the community center she runs.
Syracuse’s senior centers began opening their doors again in May as state restrictions loosened, ending 14 months of isolation for affected communities.
“It was wonderful,” said Miller. “We’re waiting for more classes to open up.”
Miller’s enthusiasm to return fully to her pre-COVID life is echoed by other seniors inside the Bob Cecile Community Center. While in-person activities are available, the exercise class Miller attends only happens once a week.
“It’s been kind of gradual,” said Syracuse Parks Department’s Chris Abbott, who teaches Miller’s class. “It’s been assessing the situation from a regional perspective and taking guidance from experts.”
Abbott was at first apprehensive about the return to in-person activity. He was aware of how important social interaction was, though, as he had coordinated the lunch program back in March to try and offer anything at all to seniors.
His apprehension soon melted away, as people like Miller clamor for a more regular schedule, he says it will be provided as soon as allowed.
Even though staffing has been slow to replenish after the pandemic, causing Abbott to teach classes like Miller’s for the first time, he understands the importance of as many classes as possible.
“It’s great to see folks here and the social aspect of the senior center is returning,” said Abbott. “We talked last time and that’s what we knew was missing and it’s great to see that back.”
Abbott said he thinks the Parks Department is on a really good path towards full senior center operation but was unable to give an exact timetable.
