AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Retirement Planning

Leisure Activities & Senior Centers

Structured physical activity and social engagement are critical factors in preserving cognitive function and extending longevity for older adults. Local Senior Centers provide a diverse array of programs designed to meet these needs.

Core Activities

  • Social Engagement: Playing games (Chess, Cards) with peers, video calling family, and joining hobby-based clubs. 
  • Learning Opportunities: Classes in culinary arts, fine arts, and foreign languages; participating in book or film clubs; and learning musical instruments. 
  • Community Involvement: Volunteering at schools, libraries, or hospitals; participating in community gardening; and joining choral groups. 
  • Physical Activity: Gardening and yard work, senior-specific fitness classes, walking with friends, and swimming. 
  • Stress Management: Reading, practicing mindfulness, Tai Chi, or Yoga.

Senior Centers

Municipal and county-run senior centers throughout Bergen County, New Jersey, operate specialized programs. We encourage you to participate based on your personal interests and health status.

      • Health & Wellness

    • Congregate Meals: Balanced, nutritionist-designed lunches provided at an affordable rate (typically via a suggested donation). For those with limited mobility, these centers coordinate with Meals on Wheels delivery services. 
    • Specialized Fitness Programs:
      • SilverSneakers: A fitness program offered at no cost to many Medicare Advantage and Supplement plan members. Please verify eligibility with your insurance provider. 
      • Fall Prevention Education: Balance training designed to prevent falls, the leading cause of accidental injury among seniors. 
      • Zumba Gold & Chair Yoga: Low-impact dance and yoga sessions designed to be gentle on the joints.
    • Health Screenings: Routine blood pressure monitoring, glucose checks, and guidance for seasonal Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

      • Lifelong Learning & Hobbies

    • Digital Literacy: Training on smartphone usage, video conferencing (Zoom/FaceTime), online banking, and fraud/scam prevention education. 
    • Arts & Crafts: Activities such as watercolor painting, calligraphy, knitting, and origami to strengthen cognitive function through fine motor skills. 
    • Language Classes: English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and multicultural language exchange programs unique to Bergen County’s diverse community.

      • Transportation Services

    • Shuttle Services: Dedicated senior shuttles for center visits, local grocery shopping, and medical appointments. (Advance reservations are mandatory).

Senior Center Directory in Bergen County

Center NameAddressPhone Number
AWCA Senior Activity Center9 Genesee Ave.,
Teaneck, NJ 07666		201-862-1665
Bergenfield Senior Center293 Murray Hill Ter.,
Bergenfield, NJ 07621		201-387-7212
East Rutherford Senior Center147 Hackensack St.,
East Rutherford, NJ 07073		201-935-8920
Elmwood Park Senior Center387 Market St.,
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407		201-796-3342
Garfield Senior Center480 Vreeland Ave.,
Garfield, NJ 07026		973-478-0502
KCS New Jersey Social Adult Daycare(Private)100 Grove St.,
Tenafly, NJ 07670		201-541-1200 x 111
North Arlington Senior Center11 Bayard Ave.,
North Arlington, NJ 07031		201-998-5636
Northwest Senior Center46-50 Center St.,
Midland Park, NJ 07432		201-445-5690
Ridgefield Park Senior Center159 Park St.,
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660		201-641-7170
Wallington Senior Center24 Union Blvd.,
Wallington, NJ 07057		973-777-5815

Contact

  • Bergen County Division of Senior Services: 201-336-7400
  • AARP Official Website
  • NJ 211: Statewide helpline for community resource connection. Call 211.
  • NJ Division of Parks & Forestry: Information on the Senior Pass (Free admission to state parks for NJ residents 62+). 
    • Call 1-800-843-6420
  • AWCA provides counseling free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org).

Resources

Resources

Retirement Planning