Senior Resources in Mount Laurel Township

Perhaps one of the best and worst aspects of retirement is the sudden surplus of free time. If you’ve been working full time for your entire adult life, that freedom can come as a bit of a shock.

Luckily, the people of Mount Laurel have worked hard to ensure that every resident can make the most of these years by offering a variety of resources to help seniors get around town, learn new skills, and participate in a vibrant community. Here are just a few of the resources seniors can take advantage of in Mount Laurel:

Educational and Mentoring Opportunities

1. Rowan College at Burlington County offers a broad range of classes to those who are  50 or older out of their Mount Laurel campus through their LIFE (Learning Is for Everyone) program. Classes are taught by volunteer instructors and range from history courses on the empires of India, crafting lessons on cardmaking and photography, and life skills workshops on losing weight and using a smartphone.
   
   
2. LIFE Healthy Lifestyle Programs offer classes on managing chronic pain as well as staying fit and strong. Fill out their form here to learn more. And for seniors looking to reduce their fear of falling, there’s a course called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls, which could help alleviate any concerns.
   
   
3. If you would like to share your skills with others, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) helps those who are 55 or older find challenging and rewarding service opportunities, ranging from tutoring and tax preparation to fitness instruction and marketing assistance.

Community Activities

1. The Mount Laurel Community Center offers a variety of classes for seniors, including yoga, Zumba, low-impact aerobics, and creative writing. The senior center also hosts a variety of clubs for those interested in quilting, mahjong, billiards, stained glass, pingpong, pinochle, and more. Mount Laurel Township plans a trip for seniors each year in the spring. Call 856-234-0001 ext. 1220 to inquire about the trip details.
   
   
2. Senior Citizens United Community Services (SCUCS) offers day, overnight, and extended trips geared toward senior citizens, which include transportation, entertainment, and a trained escort. Check the SCUCS webpage for info on upcoming trips.
   
   
3. New Jersey residents ages 62 and up are entitled to a Senior Citizen Pass granting free admittance to all New Jersey State Park Service.
   
   
4. Local gyms including the Mount Laurel YMCA offer a variety of exercise classes tailored to seniors — from dance to pool aerobics — that can benefit the body and mind. All branches of the YMCA of Greater Philadelphia accept SilverSneakers, a fitness program available through certain health insurance programs that offers seniors a free YMCA membership.

Legal and Financial Support

1. Senior Legal Advice (609-265-5945) has attorneys available to answer legal questions and give advice in person or over the phone on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The service is free for those ages 60 or older.
   
   
2. The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services offers NJSave, an online application that can help older residents with low incomes and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.
   
   
3. The Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program helps eligible New Jersey residents save on prescription drugs and insulin supplies.

Senior Support Services

1. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) offers free counseling and help navigating health insurance for New Jersey Medicare recipients.
   
   
2. SEN-HAN Transit (877-603-5111) provides transportation to seniors and those with disabilities to area convenience stores for the cost of $2 each way. To learn more or to preregister for the service, visit Senior Citizens United Community Services.
   
   
3. Meals on Wheels of Burlington County delivers meals to homebound residents ages 60 and older Monday through Friday.
   
   
4. The Burlington County Senior Nutrition program provides low-cost hot lunches in four locations to county residents ages 60 and over.
   
   
5. The Eldercare Locator is a useful tool for anyone searching for home care, adult day care, senior living, and more.

All of these resources for senior citizens are available to residents of Mount Laurel and can help make your retirement years some of your best yet. For more tips on everything from finding the best personal care option near you to learning about living with Alzheimer’s, subscribe to the Arbor Terrace Mount Laurel blog.