IntroductionIPA students, staff, and faculty have worked with the state of Delaware to administer the Delaware Senior Center Grant-in-Aid Project annually. Through the senior center project, the continual efforts of IPA assist the state government in determining funding levels for eligible centers.
IPA conducts program evaluations and site visits for eligible centers in Sussex County, Kent County, New Castle County, and the City of Wilmington. The evaluations focus on programs that promote both physical and mental health through fitness, nutrition, social outlets, and health and wellness activities.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that participating in senior center programs assists older adults with learning how to manage their chronic diseases as well as delay their onset. In addition, senior centers offer programs and services that provide opportunities for social interaction, educational development, and health and wellness activities. These programs for older adults have the potential to play a large role in promoting healthy living among the aging population, especially since Delaware’s older adult population, ages 65 and older, is projected to increase by 106 percent between 2005 and 2030. With 40 percent of Delaware's older adults having at least one disability, IPA’s Senior Center Grant-in-Aid Project will continue to provide a vital needs assessment of aging Delawareans.
For more information, contact Eric Jacobson (302-831-1711).
Sources:
National Council on Aging (NCOA). (n.d.). Fact sheets: Senior Centers
Markell, J. (n.d.) "Delaware Facing Forward: A Look at Delaware's Demographic Future." Office of the State Treasurer. State of Delaware.
U.S. Census 2000 Summary.
