For more than 12 years the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department has been sponsoring a monthly dance and social for area senior citizens.

Parks and recreation director Shane West Anderson said the socials started in September 1998 as a different type of activity for seniors. Anderson said he still remembers the first social and his surprise at the participation level among the group.

"The first event in 1998 turned out to be a learning experience for me," Anderson said. "Eighty seniors walked, some with more difficulty than others, into the Legion hall in Jackson. Everybody except the band and me were seated. As the band started, to my surprise everyone stood up and started to dance and dance around the dance floor. I physically sat down realizing that this bunch loved to dance every song at every opportunity."

The money for the socials is built into the department's annual budget, he said. The events, which now take place at the Jackson Senior Citizens Center, always feature live music, prizes and refreshments at no charge.

The senior citizen center has recently completed an addition, and Mason said that has provided more dance floor and dining space for the socials.

Anderson said the events are a great way for people to get out, get a little exercise and socialize with other seniors. He said he also enjoys the interaction.

"I love this event because of the conversations I have with the seniors about their life and families in between dances," he said.

Senior center administrative assistant Jean Mason said she has seen the positive effect the socialization can have on the seniors.

"They laugh. They talk. The sheer stimulation of everything makes them feel better. Mental health keeps a person physically healthy a lot of times. You really see that when you work with senior citizens," she said.

Typically there are between 60 and 80 seniors at the dances, Mason said, and more than half of them are on the dance floor at any given time during the social.

Mason said there will be a grand opening and dedication ceremony for the addition at 4 p.m. Oct. 23. The next senior social will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 27.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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