In African societies, seniors traditionally enjoy an elevated place of honor and respect within the community. In the U.S., however, most seniors don’t receive such deference from individuals or institutions. Because of that, positive programs that make it their mission to uplift, support and celebrate the elders among us are needed now more than ever.
Here are some of the Houston area’s most impactful senior-serving programs.
SHAPE’s Elders Institute of Wisdom (EIW)
According to SHAPE’s director Deloyd Parker, “The EIW is a formal network of elders whose collective wisdom is drawn upon to educate and guide our community.”
The EIW meets at SHAPE every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (SHAPE, 3815 Live Oak, 77004) where participants are serves a nutritious meal most often prepared by Parker himself. They also exercise, dance, share their personal stories and histories and encourage one another via the fellowship.
But these seniors come together for more than just the food and fellowship. Parker says these elders have duties and responsibilities that come with their role as an elder, which is not a title bestowed upon an individual simply because they reach a certain age.
“Their duties and responsibilities are to advise and give guidance about activities of the village and share information that is beneficial to elder communities. They share ‘the story’ of our community and culture,” stated Parker.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis & Harris County Precinct One’s Senior Enrichment Program (SEP)
The Senior Enrichment Program enhances the lives of seniors (50 years and older) by offering programs and services that promote their physical, emotional, and social well-being. SEP offers exercise classes, including:
· Senior-focused physical fitness
· Yoga
· Mat Pilates
· Line Dance
· ChairOne classes
Seniors looking to develop their personal growth can join our enrichment programs that include arts and crafts, computer classes, and health education presentations. Seniors can also meet new friends and develop relationships by participating in our board game days, special events, and day trips.
Register online to sign up for our programs via Harris County Precinct One’s COMMUNITY PORTAL.
Houston-area Multi-Service Centers
The Houston-area’s multi-service centers (Acres Homes, Alief, Denver Harbor, Fifth Ward, Hiram Clarke, Kashmere, Magnolia, Northeast, Southwest, Sunnyside, Third Ward and West End) offer a plethora of senior-serving programs including legal help for seniors, food provided by the Houston Food Bank, Get Moving Urban Gardens and more. For more info, visit www.houstonhealth.org/services/multi-service-centers.
Baker Ripley Senior Health and Wellness Center
There are 16 Baker Ripley Senior Health and Wellness Centers throughout Harris County, serving active adults age 60 and older. Their programs cover education and enrichment, civic engagement, nutrition, health and wellness, workforce support, veteran services and more. Visit www.bakerripley.org for more information.
Houston Parks and Recreations Department Senior Programs
The City’s Senior Programs provide a wide variety of recreation and leisure activities for seniors, ages 55 years and older at select citywide community centers. Activities include creative and specialty crafts, fitness, walking clubs, craft exhibitions, holiday events, cultural and special events, performing and visual arts, field day activities and sports programs. Most programming is free of charge unless otherwise indicated. Seniors are responsible for providing their own materials for most classes and certain field trips may require a minimum fee. Visit for more information.
