Senior Center Directors Think About Future Needs Considering State Report

Local senior center directors thinking about future services and capacity as the state projects significant growth in aging populations.

A recent state report predicts an increase of 300,000 people in the state’s aging population over the next 10 years. Clay County Senior Center Director Sandra Wix said she believes current facilities will be able to handle the growth.

“We have a big enough area at this time that we will be able to accommodate it, and we have a great support as of right now with our county,” Wix said.

Wix said she has already experienced an increase in members since the pandemic. Wix said she averages about 17 people a day. Wix said the idea of providing services to even more people excites her.

Unlike Clay County, Van Buren County Senior Center Director Darlene Hunter said a future conversation may be needed for a larger space depending on the growth.

“We always find ways to serve our older Americans,” Hunter said. “When that time comes if we need a bigger building, we will go to the county. We will do what we can to service them.”

Hunter said the current facility has enough space to accommodate up to 50 seniors a day. Hunter said the center averages about 30 people.

The state estimates the aging population of Clay County to increase by some 600 people. About 200 for Van Buren County.