THE SESCIL ADVANTAGE - In Sync with Seniors -

Every community has a senior center which in some way serves the needs of its aging population. Some are purely social, others activity centers, many are nutrition sites serving low-cost meals and so on. What distinguishes The Southeast Senior Center for Independent Living, (SESCIL), in Englewood, New Jersey, from all these others? What are the advantages for seniors who join this Center?

Primarily, it is the philosophy on aging that was incorporated into the founding of SESCIL in 1978. Self-sufficiency and independent living are the goals of seniors participating in the Center's many and varied programs. The Center assists seniors in restoring and maintaining physical, emotional and social health, while it helps them to become more active and take charge of their own lives through volunteerism, part-time work or in developing new skills.

SESCIL is at the forefront in caring for the general health of its members. It is the only place that offers low-fee dentistry to seniors ages 55 and older. The dental staff includes two licensed dentists and two dental hygienists, and all but the most complicated work is done right on site. There is a registered nurse on staff, and each new client is required to have a health assessment which includes their medical history and blood pressure. Individual concerns are addressed. Health screenings are held throughout the year as well as classes on a weekly basis. One of these, a weight reduction class, is led by a physician and has shown great results. A podiatrist sees patients on a weekly basis, and an audiologist tests clients with hearing problems. An annual flu-shot clinic is held every fall.

The Center has an extensive program of exercises: Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Stretch and Flex, Aerobics, Water Aerobics (summer only) and Belly Dancing classes are held weekly. SESCIL feels that a regime of exercises promotes its seniors’ well-being, both physically as well as emotionally. Another of its goals is to challenge its members intellectually by having programs that stimulate their minds. There are language conversation groups in Italian, French, German and Yiddish. A retired concert pianist and his wife lead a Music Appreciation class, focusing on classical music. Water Coloring is taught by a former art teacher; a Book Group is led by a reference librarian of Englewood Library; a retired executive gives Financial/Investment seminars; Creative Writing is conducted by a retired editor; and the list goes on and on.

No - there’s no Bingo and no trips to Atlantic City! But, on staff, there’s a social worker, who leads support groups, helps with entitlements and sees members with any problems that they may encounter.

Membership is free - there are no charges for any of the classes.
In short, one may now understand what is meant by “The SESCIL Advantage” – an edge that keeps SESCIL in sync with the health needs and cultural aspirations of its senior members. To learn more, or to become a cost-free member of SESCIL, visit its Website at: www.sescil.org