Oct 7, 2008
"Boomer centers": a new name for senior centers?
As “senior centers” prep for ‘baby boomer‘ boom — what about calling them BOOMER CENTERS or BOOMER CAFES or BOOMER BISTROS?
BOOMER CENTRAL — Hey, you aging baby boomers out there — there are 8,000 of us turning 60 every day now! — and you senior center directors around the country who manage and administer and direct senior centers in many varied regions with many varied clients: What do you think about my wild and crazy boomer idea of renaming some senior centers in some areas of the USA and Canada as “boomer centers” or “boomer cafes” — or even in some instances as “boomer bistros”?
Examples: the Springfield Boomer Center in Springfield, Massachusetts or the San Mateo Boomer Cafe in California or Brighton Boomer Bistro in Brighton, Washington or the Toronto Boomer Cafe in Canada. What do you think?
Of course, not every senior center would change its name and only those whose directors and residents wanted to change might do so, but as more boomers come into the pipeline, some boomers might like these kinds of name changes. Not everyone. But what do you think of the
idea?
A recent Associated Press story put it in black and white: “Susan Lather envisions a day when paninis and mock cocktails will take their place next to fruit cups and club sandwiches on the lunch menu at the Enfield Senior Center. Changing food preferences are among many adjustments that senior center directors nationwide, including Lather, expect to make in the next decade as they balance the wishes of their elderly stalwarts with those of baby boomer newcomers.”
The story noted: “Some even have taken ‘senior’ out of their names, christening the facilities “community centers.” It’s a nod to boomers who acknowledge they are aging but bristle at the term “senior” and the stereotypes of fragility or dependency.
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Penny Peters
Why not ENCORE CENTER? [or Encore Cafe, or Encore House, or Encore Group, etc.]. Not only does that unite everyone in the second half of life [no matter what their age or interest], there’s already a top notch web site!
Name change is necessary
Most of the "boomers", including myself do not like this name. The shift could possibly include a thought shift as well. I believe that something like "valued citizen" will encourage a change in both, thought and deed.
I many cultures, elderly are very highly regarded and respected. I think we should embrace this and work hard getting it right.
Maybe the centers where our "valued citizens" reside could change their names completely so there would be no mention as to type of care. I would like to say that I reside at "Bell Towers" rather than Elkwoods Senior Center.
Rethinking Names and Functions
More thoughts … wouldn’t it be appropriate to have current and future users of centers provide information about their preferences? This site could develop a web based survey to collect thoughts from local centers ( I could develop one as well, but I don’t currently have the time). I think, in order to create a sense of community, localized preferences should have priority. We have enough “chain store” identities. If some consistent identity is needed, a subtitle could be used. For example, an earlier post suggest“Life Centers”, a small lettered subtitle could be added to denote a funding source like “An Area on Aging Network” or something of that sort.
Also, although I dread the thought of commercializing it, local corporations would likely provide some funding for centers if they included their corporate name or logo. Much like stadiums…there are multiple benefits to this approach with some downsides as well.
Any other thoughts?
I agree, John…good points,
I agree, John…good points, no need for chain store mentality here….i think BOOMER CENTERS if that name is ever used, would be just a nickname by media. not used officially….but one never knows…...i kinda like the idea of spending an afternoon when I am 69 at the Longmeadow Boomer Cafe, why not?
"Boomers"
I am a member of SHiFT Org in Minneapolis and I am receiving feedback from the hundreds of "boomers" up here in the Twin Cities that they do not like this title either. Perhaps we rethink the whole effort and ask all of us what we want instead of a few individuals deciding. Here is my vote for something like "life centers".
I like life centers too.
I like life centers too. good name…..boomer centers i think would just a media nickanme…...but whatever name is finally chosen, or used…..used…..will be up to the people who use those centers, yes. let the name choosing begin!
re John Kenyon comment
I agree completely, John….not only name changes are needed, whatever they will be in the future, and BOOMER CENTER or BOOMER CAFE is a good beginning, but yes, the functions and activities offered must be updated too. Good ideas, yes. IT WILL HAPPEN. HAS TO.
New Name for Senior Centers
Sounds like an idea whose time has come. In my conversations with some Senior Center directors, they would agree. Baby Boomers are not attracted to the current image of Senior Centers, and rarely visit them. However, in order to make these centers sustainably more attractive to Boomers, I think their functions should change as well. Bingo, Hawaiian Days, and travel-logues belong to a different generation. My preference would be for adding resources, and multi-generational activities based on community needs, and interest. For example, providing job search, business incubators, and skills workshops to name a few.
Also, how about providing high quality coffees,and good dainish selections? So, while I am in favor of a name change, I think a function change is also needed.
Boomer Centers/Seniorpreneur Project
Joe Wasylyk Seniorpreneur
I believe that future ‘Boomer Centers’ should focus more on business and non-business subjects that are organized around the mission of Lifelong Learning (education). There will always be a practical use for Senior Centers because a lot of people boomers included will not want to pursue either Encore careers OR entrepreneurial projects. However; Lifelong Learning Centers can be created and be able to exist along side the traditional Senior Centers; AND John, I think this could be the reasonable function change that is urgently required.
Joe Wasylyk
Lifelong Learning Centers
Joe,
I’d agree that lifelong learning would be an important focus of senior centers. Moreover, many community colleges offer lifelong learning through continuing education classes that could be offered on campuses and/or at the centers as well. It really depende upon local needs like whether a function displaces existing functions offered by other entities. Many senior centers already offer a variety of classes, and informational forums that range from consumer protection to watercolor classes.
Also, I didn’t mean to imply other functions should preclude the social networking nature of senior centers. Hopefully, additional functions will enhance social engagement. I do think they need to serve better coffee, though! lol