So to find out what the gaps are, city staff last year compiled this list of activities that currently happen in town that would be of interest to seniors. I asked a couple folks in RSVP to help fill in the gaps by asking, “Could you please look over this list and tell me what is missing”

Here was the response:

• Fishing Group – fishing events, socializing etc.

• Senior Dances – at least every quarter.

• Bunco Fundays – could be included in the card & game sessions that need to be facilitated so that when newbies to the community drop by they are welcomed.

• Water Walking – Led by some one where each individual works at their own pace while walking, arching, lunging, and side stepping through the pool.  Excellent for those who have had joint replacement procedures.

• Fitness Programs for Seniors – Muscular Strength and Range Movement where you move to music through excersises designed to increase musculare strength and range of movement.  A class for more active souls for muscular endurance conditioning. A Cardio Fit class for those who are fit and active as well as those who are sedentary or unfamiliar with excercise

• Wii Play   Learning to play and competitions.  Golf, bowling, tennis etc.  Other communities have this and the game was donated by a local business.

• Slim and Trim after 60:  work with trainer and dietician to set realistic goals, safe workouts, and nutrition advice all geared specifically toward those 60+

• Weekly Senior Living Programs – have professionals come in and give programs – ie, Common Foot Ailments, Add energy to your 1st Aid Kit, Afternoon Delight:  Latest research to better care for yourself as you age, Beat the Cold or Flue: Common remedies/myths, Beat the Holiday Blues, Shopping Healthy, Eye Care, Cross Train Your Brain, Ask the Attorney, Meet your State Senator, etc.

• Learn a new skill Programs – have instructors to come in and do a basic class.  Perhap the person would want to pursue and join a club or continue with lessons at a business after attending these.  ie. Harmonica lessons, painting lessons, woodcarving lessons, tap dancing lessons, needlework lessons, gardening lessons, Line Dancing, scrapbooking and card making lessons, etc.

• Kirksville Restaurant Group – Dine out with other seniors once every month at a restaurant.  Meet at the restaurant and order from the menu with seperate checks.  RSVP to Parks and Rec and so reservations can be made.

• Zumba Dance Exercise

I think this is a pretty reasonable and pointed list. Some of these would have a cost associated, but others would be relatively easy to put together. What do you think? Is there anything else you would add?

I plan to bring this issue up in a future meeting of the LPRC, so I would love to have as much input as possible. You can comment by clicking the “Comments” link at the top of the article.

She provided us with a preliminary compilation of programs and events that community agencies currently offer of interest to seniors. Richard is going to gather some more information. We will continue to research and discuss this.

Here is the document: senior_programming (PDF document)

To Kirksville’s senior community: This is only the beginning, but I would be especially grateful if you would look at this document and give me your feedback. What more needs to be done?