STAYING INDEPENDENT; SENIOR ALIVE ELDERCARE PROGRAM KEEPS SENIORS MENTALLY, PHYSCIALLY AND SOCIALLY ACTIVE

Mary Scherer participated in an exercise class that is held at Centenary United Methodist Church for the Senior Alive Eldercare Program.

O. David Griffin discussed his shell collection at the Senior Alive Eldercare Program.

If it weren't for Senior Alive Eldercare Adult Day Program, Lynette Reed would just be sitting at home doing nothing.

Reed has participated in the program for four years. The program keeps senior citizens stimulated physically and mentally through exercise programs, educational opportunities and by providing transportation to and from banks, stores and restaurants.

"It's a wonderful program!" Reed said. "We don't know what we would do if it were ever cut."

Reed likes the program because she can choose how often she participates, and she likes the variety of programs that are available to senior citizens.

Reed added that she really likes that the Senior Alive Eldercare Program administrators ask the seniors for advice on new programs to make the program a better experience for those involved.

About 50 senior citizens use the program that begins in the morning at Centenary United Methodist Church with an exercise program that lasts about an hour.

After the exercise class, educational activities, including speakers, health screenings and crafts, fill the rest of the day.

And throughout the month different days are used to take the participants to places like the bank, library, doctor and grocery store.

Geraldine Love has been going to the program so long she doesn't remember when she started, but she loves it.

"I wish more people would attend," she said.

The best thing about the program for Love is the free transportation, but she also enjoys the chance to socialize with other senior citizens.

The educational activities teach a lot of things that Love has found to be very beneficial.

Marie Cunningham has been going to the program for the past three years.

"It does a whole lot for me," she said. "It revives my memory, and the transportation is nice. I am very thankful the university has a program like this."

Dr. Shelba Branscum said the program is for senior adults living alone who are interested in having educational and social activities that stimulate them physically, mentally and socially.

The four specific goals of the program are to increase independence and self reliance, assist senior adults in remaining in their homes, prevent premature institutionalization, and increase resource accessibility.

The program is held in the Hoover Center on Sprigg Street, with transportation provided to and from the center.

The programs offered at the center range from memory exercises to physical exercise to educational field trips.

In addition to the mental and physical stimulation, the program also helps the senior adults to stay independent by providing transportation to and from stores, banks, city hall and other destinations throughout the community.

Reed, Love and Cunningham all have made friends by participating in the program and they all agree the program has improved their lives by keeping them active. And the best part is that the program comes at no cost to the participants, but donations are accepted.

The Hoover Center began as the Southeast Eldercare Center in 1980. The name was changed to the Hoover Center in 1990. The program began with only four people; today there are 50.

Participation in the program is open to adults 60 or older living in Cape Girardeau County who are able to communicate, walk with minimal assistance, be aware of time, identity and place, and have control over body functions.

The program is held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 805 N. Sprigg St.