Good luck keeping up to these seniors
Tue May 20, 2008

By: By Jillian Follert

OSHAWA -- When people tell Betty-Ann Manning she looks way younger than her 68 years, they're not just saying it to be nice.

It might be the unlined face and ready laugh that hint at a woman 10 years younger, but it's more likely the brisk pace she keeps.

Ms. Manning is at the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC) almost every day, volunteering in the cafeteria, helping with Bingo games, taking classes and working out. She also volunteers at other community agencies.

"I think I'm busier now than when I was working full time," she said, smiling. "But it's a different kind of busy, because it's things I want to do."

These days, it's not unusual for older adults and seniors to seize their retirement years as a chance to do things they never had time for during the daily grind -- at the OSCC that might be digital photography, weight training, ballroom dancing or guitar lessons.

"These are not people who are sitting in their rocking chairs and knitting afghans," said OSCC executive director Elizabeth Moore.

She's been with the organization since 1982 and has seen plenty of change, both in the programs delivered and the clients who use them.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the main OSCC branch on John Street and Ms. Moore said the 6,000 people who use the three branches -- the other two are at Northview Community Centre on Beatrice Street East and at the Legends Centre on Harmony Road North -- are a more diverse group than ever before.

The fact that members can join at age 55 and some of the oldest are over 100, means three generations are represented.

And just because they're all "seniors" doesn't mean people 40 years apart in age have the same interests, which is why the OSCC motto is "life at your speed."

"A person who's 82 might not feel like they're old enough to join yet, but someone who is 45 might be drooling to be part of what we offer," Ms. Moore said. "We've actually had people lie about their age to get in before they're 55."

The biggest group represented are the so-called "Depression babies," who were born in the 1930s and are now in their 70s.

It's a generation who married young, had children young, weathered war and were approaching retirement by the time computers became commonplace.

They also tend to view their golden years differently than those just turning 55 now, who are likely still working, still supporting children in their 20s and not ready to identify as a senior or take up stereotypical senior hobbies, like Bingo.

"I come here for the jazzercise class and the cardio salsa," said new OSCC member Barbara Goguen, 63. "I like things that keep me moving."

But others, like Charlie Smith, 79, wear their senior title with pride and are happy to settle into more relaxed pursuits.

"There are big differences between the younger seniors and us," said the new Oshawa resident who recently dropped by the OSCC to check out its programming. "I think the younger ones see it differently, they're still working, they're interested in the computers and the technology. For us older guys, we want the Bingo, the card games, the table tennis."

As they look ahead to the next 40 years, Ms. Moore expects to keep adding new and innovative programs, saying the choices are driven by what the memberships wants. They even encourage members to use their years of experience and education to lead classes themselves.

The OSCC membership is expected to skyrocket in the coming years as the baby boomers begin to join and a fourth branch is scheduled to open this summer at the new Conant Complex in south Oshawa.

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