The presentation to the Town Council on May 7, 2014 was updated to include some newer census data on the senior population in Franklin.

1. Independence, Information & Connection
FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER

2. MISSION STATEMENT
To enhance the quality of life for Franklin’s older
adults by:
• Identifying their needs and creating programs
that meet those needs.
• Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities
to promote mental, social and physical well-
being.
• Advocating for relevant programs and services in
our community.
• Serving as a community focal point for aging
issues and as liaison to local, state and federal
resources for older adults and their families.

3. DEMOGRAPHICS
• There are 5,461 residents 60 years of age &
over in Franklin per the town’s 2013 census.
• The UMass Gerontology Institute projects an
increase to 6,667 elderly residents in Franklin
by 2020 and 9,217 by 2030 (27% of the
population).
• The average number of visitors to the Senior
Center per day is 130.
• There are 1,200 active participants at the
Center.

4. FY’15 FUNDING

5. PARTICIPANTS
50’s 1%
60’s 21%
70’s 46%
80’s 31%
90+ 1%
AGE DISTRIBUTION

6. WE OFFER…
• Nutrition Program
• Health & Wellness
• Caregiver Support
• Social Service Coordination
• Socialization & Recreation
• Education
• Volunteer & Intergenerational opportunities
• Tax Work Off Program
• Amenities

7. NUTRITION
• Affordable, healthy breakfast & lunch daily
• Monthly social events
• Enhances social interaction
• Often the only freshly prepared meal of the day
• FYI: A University of Montreal study found a correlation
between food intake and social interaction. Seniors
who live alone often say that it is “just too much
trouble” to fix a nutritious meal for one, and they may
skip meals or get in the habit of snacking on junk food.
(McKenzie, Kergoat, Ferland, 2009)

8. NUTRITION STATS

9. HEALTH & WELLNESS
• Health Clinics: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Podiatry, Flu
Vaccinations, and Vision & Hearing screenings.
• Evidence-based programs: Developed through rigorous
research, EBP’s provide clear physical, psychological, and
social benefits with measurable outcomes, e.g, reducing
doctors visits and hospitalizations.
• Fall Prevention: Evidence-based seminars, Gait
Assessments, Fall Risk Assessments, Medication
Management & Home Safety evaluations.
• Fitness: Cardio, Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, Chair Exercise,
Walking Club, Bocce, Line Dancing, Chair Volleyball,
Reiki, Reflexology & Meditation.
• Support: Eye Health, Weight Loss, Caregivers Support
Groups, individual consultations & Senior Expo.

10. HEALTH & WELLNESS STATS

11. CAREGIVER SUPPORT
FYI: AARP reports that 42% of U.S. employees have cared
for an older relative or friend in the last five years, and
19% of retirees stopped working to provide elder care.
• Supportive Day Program, “The Sunshine Club” offers a
structured, stimulating environment for frail elders
• Companion Caregivers, in-home respite
• Caregivers Support Group meets biweekly
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers; evidence based prog.
• CareGiving Metrowest: www.caregivingmetrowest.org
http://blog.aarp.org/2012/10/24/21lly-abrahms-working-caregivers/

12. SUPPORTIVE DAY STATS

13. SOCIAL SERVICES
• Legal Clinic with Elder Law Attorney (54 clients)
• Tax assistance – AARP & Circuit Breaker ($58K)
• SHINE – Serving the Health Information Needs of
the Elderly (149 clients)
• Social Service Coordinator – Provides assistance
with housing, employment, home care services,
tax abatements, long-term care placement, Food
Stamps, Fuel Assistance, Mass Health,
Supplemental Security Insurance, etc.

14. SOCIAL SERVICE STATS:
Nov’13 – Apr’14
Home Office Phone Total
>60 residents 15 32 33 80
>60 interactions 23 58 75 156
<60 residents 4 11 13 28
<60 interactions 8 24 52 84

15. SOCIALIZATION
• The Center offers many opportunities for
socialization including our Café, social events,
recreation, fitness, and learning activities.
FYI: A recent study found that “Social contact may
be as effective as physical activity in improving
mood and quality of life” and that “Social
participation and support networks are paramount
to long-term positive outcomes and psychological
well-being for older people.” (Kerse, Hayman,
Moyes, Peri & Robinson, 2010)

16. RECREATION
• Day Trips
• Cards & board games
• Arts & Crafts
• Social Events
• Brain Games
• Movies
• Chorale Group, The Silvertones

17. EDUCATION
• Computer, Tablet & Phone Instruction
• Italian Conversation Group
• Current Events Discussion Group
• Lecture Series with Dean College & others
• Arts & Crafts Instruction
• Writers Group – Senior Scribblers
• Book Discussion Group
• Smart Driver Classes

18. VOLUNTEERS
• Last year, 144 dedicated volunteers
contributed 11,190 hours of service to the
Senior Center.
• Volunteers are a critical component of
running our Café, Gift Shop & much of our
social and recreational programming.
• Volunteering reduces social isolation.
FYI: Research found that volunteers report greater life satisfaction
and better physical health than non-volunteers, and their life
satisfaction and physical health improves at a greater rate as a
result of volunteering. (Van Willigen, 2000)
http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/07_0506_hbr.pdf?tbl_pr_id=687

19. INTERGENERATIONAL
• Charter School helps our Friends group send gift cards
to homebound elders.
• Vocational School’s Health Services freshmen come to
the Center for 2 months training.
• Horace Mann students visit & participate.
• Seniors work with Parmenter School’s “Book Buddies”
• FHS National Honor Society Spring Fling.
• Xavarian & FHS students intern each year.
• ECDC students visit our the Sunshine Club.
• Last year, 60 students volunteered 1,130 hours at the
Senior Center.

20. TAX WORK OFF PROGRAM
2011 2012 2013
Workers 88 93 93
Hours
completed
7,159 8,469 8,495
Total Credit $57,272 $67,752 $67,960
• Homeowners 60 and older receive a credit up to $800
off their annual real estate taxes by working 100 hours
in various town departments at the minimum wage.
• Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served
basis as there are a limited number of slots for the
program (95).

21. AMENITIES
• Hairdresser/Barber/Manicures
• “Ben’s Bounty” Gift Shop
• Free Medical Equipment & Supply Loans
• Fitness Equipment
• Franklin Connection Newsletter
• “Senior Circle” Cable Program
• Recycling – Batteries & Light bulbs

22. ADVOCACY
The Council on Aging has observed a significant
need for the following services:
• Affordable, Accessible Housing
• Transportation (evenings & weekends)
• Tax Relief

23. OUTCOMES
Research by the National Council
on Aging found that, “Older adults who
participate in Senior Center programs
experience measurable improvements in their
physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental,
and economic well-being.”
http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/FactSheet_SeniorCenters.pdf