Senior centers provide a safe and supportive setting for elders to interact. Typically, they offer planned activities such as lectures, day trips, and a variety of hobby and exercise programs. Many include hot meals as part of their programs, and some centers also deliver meals to your home. Information and referral services are often provided for those seeking help with taxes, health, housing and other concerns. Some senior centers provide transportation to and from the site. Participants usually attend the center when they choose, rather than making a commitment to come every day.

Since the primary purpose of attending a senior center is to socialize, the main consideration in choosing one should be whether or not the activities offered are of interest. You should also make sure the center is conveniently located. In evaluating a senior center, you may wish to print out copies of GetCare.com's Senior Center checklist, which provides detailed questions to help you compare different programs.

Since senior centers are often subsidized by federal, state and/or local government, the cost of attendance and meals are generally quite affordable. Many centers offer sliding scale pricing dependant on your income.