Key Takeaways
Every year, NISC's annual Programs of Excellence Awards honor and promote the outstanding programs offered by senior centers across the country.
Learn more about Elder Day, a 2021 Program of Excellence in the Health and Wellness category.
NISC Programs of Excellence
- Year Awarded: 2021 (see all 2021 Programs of Excellence Winners)
- Programs of Excellence Name: Elder Day
- Hosting Organization: OPAL (Online Programs for Adult Learning) Senior Center
- Baltimore Population: 576,498
- Virtual Program Participants: 40,000
About Elder Day
This virtual, all-day "Feel Good, Look Great“ event was organized and and held in partnership with the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Offered on a Saturday from 9 a.m. -5 p.m., participants could join in at any time based on the schedule for the day.
The day started with opening remarks from the Alumnae Chapter president followed by a citation by the County Executive. The programs for the day included social, health, self-care, and fitness activities. The day ended with a Silver Screen Showcase, which was a talent show older adults could participate in as well as alumnae of the sorority.
Key takeaways from Elder Day
- Advertise the schedule/program times in advance so participants can pick and choose when to join vs. attending all day.
- Either set up as a webinar or have a designated person responsible for tech issues like folks not muting themselves.
- Having partners who can help organize the schedule and book the program providers takes the responsibility off of the staff.
About OPAL Senior Center
The OPAL (Online Programs for Adult Learning) Senior Center of Baltimore County, Maryland, combines all of the hybrid and online classes offered by the county's senior centers with a variety of partner programs. Membership is open to those 50 and older. Offerings include classes and sessions on memory enchancement, knitting, Spanish, how to do Medicare Part D research, strengthening and stretch, and diabetes management education.
