Free programs – from pickleball to pinochle – across Pittsboro and Siler City support healthy aging through exercise, education and community
By Emma Unger | Photography by John Michael Simpson
No one ever feels “old enough” to visit a center for older adults – or at least that’s what Kathryn Walters has discovered as manager of the Siler City Center for Active Living. “I don’t care if they’re 80,” she says. “They don’t think they’re old enough to come to a senior center.”
But for individuals 55 and older, Chatham County Aging Services offers a wealth of programs and activities through its centers in Siler City and Pittsboro.
“Our mission is to empower adults as they age,” says Pittsboro Center for Active Living Manager Liz Lahti. Kathryn adds that both centers aim to help residents live their most vibrant, independent lives for as long as possible thanks to a weekly schedule of 25 to 40 events that span four main focus areas: health and wellness, socialization, education and the arts.
There’s an activity for everyone to enjoy – from a Midwestern euchre group and an African American study group at the Pittsboro center to Crafts with Kathryn and men’s coffee in Siler City. “We really try to appeal to the masses,” Liz says. Still, both centers welcome suggestions for new events if someone feels that there is a gap in the lineup. “I think our best programming is the programming that comes as a request from our participants,” Kathryn says.
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity at both locations, and a relatively younger crowd at the Siler City center has sparked demand for field trips and more casual social activities, Kathryn says. “I love that it’s a safe place where they feel comfortable to just meet up with their friends and play cards,” she says. In Pittsboro, Liz says educational programs are gaining momentum, leading to offerings like computer classes, a healthy living program, a French and Spanish conversation group, and more. But exercise classes remain the top draw across the board at both centers.
“Out of 750 participants that we had last year, 65% of them [attended] exercise classes,” Liz says. Programs range from cardio drumming to chair zumba to weight training with certified fitness instructors. Liz says most members join the center for their physical health, and the classes are designed to cater to a wide variety of needs – from general fitness to managing a health condition.
That was the case for Don Moore, who joined the Pittsboro center in October 2022 after his doctor told him he needed to lose weight and get in shape if he wanted to see age 70. “In the past 30 months, I may have missed two days,” Don says.
Starting with five minutes at a time on the stationary bike, he worked his way up to miles on the treadmill. Don’s since lost more than 100 pounds and completed two 5K races. “They saved my life,” Don says.
and Phyllis Blair catch up over a round of Rummikub.
He’s not alone. “Seventy percent of the people we surveyed said their health has improved because of coming here,” Liz says. But the benefits go beyond physical health – one of the most important benefits of the centers is their contribution to emotional well-being, which flourishes thanks to a steady stream of social events.
Pittsboro and Siler City both offer free congregate lunches Monday through Friday for Chatham County residents age 60 and older. Many participants come because they desire that socialization, Kathryn says. “They don’t want to eat alone,” she says, “and, to me, that’s just as important as the nutrition need.”
One of the most beloved events at the Siler City center are its Friday night dances.
Attendees can enjoy live music, catered food and a safe environment to cut loose and connect, all for a $10 entrance fee. The event has even led to at least five marriages in the past 15 years. “People might not want to go to a dance hall, but they can come here and get some exercise and have some fun,” Kathryn says, adding, “I wouldn’t say it’s a matchmaking effort, but I would say I don’t know where else you’d meet someone if you were a 70-year-old widow.” Around 165 participants attend the dance every week.
Don, who’s also taken part in writing classes, fitness programs and educational initiatives, says he’s found a strong community at the Pittsboro center. “I walk through, and I know everybody’s name, I wave to them, talk to them,” he says. “It’s like coming home.” And the community is always ready to welcome new members.
Those interested in joining either center can receive a tour of the facilities, meet current participants and talk to program leaders before registering. Membership grants access to activities. Liz says 160 people joined the Pittsboro center last year alone. “We have room at the table,” Kathryn says, “and there’s no reason anyone should be alone and not supported.”
