Senior Center Service

Awareness & Understanding

Have you ever had a real conversation with someone who's 70, 80, or 90 years old? Older adults carry decades of stories, skills, and wisdom — and many of them are lonely. Senior centers across the Wasatch Front, like the Salt Lake County Aging Services centers and the Bountiful Senior Center, serve thousands of older adults every week. Watch "What It's Like to Be Old" on YouTube (PBS Storycorps has great ones) or browse the AARP website to understand what daily life looks like for many seniors. Think about one older adult you already know — what do you know about their life? You're ready for the next step when you can describe three challenges older adults commonly face and name at least one senior center in your area.

Research & Investigation

Now do some real research. Visit the Salt Lake County Aging Services website (slco.org/aging-adult-services) and look at what services and programs are offered near you. Search for senior centers in your city — many Utah cities have their own, from Taylorsville to Murray to West Valley. Call or email one center and ask: What do volunteers do here? What do residents enjoy? What does a typical visit look like? Write down what you learn. Check if your school or church already has a partnership with a senior program. You're ready for the next step when you have contact information for at least two senior centers and have asked someone there one real question about volunteering.

Planning & Preparation

Plan your first visit before you show up. Think about what you're good at and what seniors might enjoy doing with you — playing games, hearing music, looking at photos, doing crafts, or just talking. Research "intergenerational activity ideas" on Pinterest or search the Eden Alternative website for inspiration. Write out a simple plan: Which center will you visit? When? What activity will you bring or suggest? Practice introducing yourself out loud — seniors appreciate someone who makes eye contact, speaks clearly, and uses their name. Also think about how you'll handle awkward silences or if someone seems sad. You're ready for the next step when you have a written visit plan with a date, a location, and at least one activity idea ready to go.

Taking Action

Go do it. Show up at your chosen senior center and spend at least an hour with residents. Introduce yourself to staff first and follow their lead — they'll know which residents want company. Stay present: put your phone away, listen more than you talk, and ask open-ended questions like "What was your favorite job you ever had?" or "Where did you grow up?" After your visit, write three paragraphs: What happened? What surprised you? What did you learn from the person you spent the most time with? Plan your next two visits while the experience is fresh. You're ready for the next step when you've completed your first visit and written a reflection that captures one specific story or moment from your time there.

Leadership & Expansion

By now you know the ropes — it's time to bring someone else along. Recruit a friend, sibling, or classmate to join you for a visit and be their guide through the experience. Before you go, brief them on what to expect and how to act. During the visit, lead at least one group activity (bingo, a simple craft, or a music session works great). Talk to the center's volunteer coordinator about how your school or youth group could set up a recurring partnership. Many Wasatch Front centers would love a reliable monthly visit from a group of teens. You're ready for the next step when you've led one group activity at the senior center and recruited at least one other person to volunteer alongside you.

Impact & Reflection

Look back at all your visits and think about what actually changed — for you and for the seniors you spent time with. Write a one-page reflection answering: Who was the most memorable person you met, and why? How did your comfort level change from visit one to the end? What's something you believed about older adults that turned out to be wrong? Consider writing a thank-you note to one resident or staff member — handwritten notes are rare and mean a lot. If you want to keep going, ask the center how you can earn a formal volunteer recognition. You're ready for the next step when you've written your full reflection and sent at least one thank-you note to someone at the center.