Aging in Place Strategies

San José strives to enhance the quality of life for its diverse citizenry by creating innovative opportunities to connect with others in the community. Programs for senior adults emphasize culturally diverse programming, wellness activities and social services designed to promote healthy and independent living. The City actively solicits input from residents on the needs of the elderly. A 15-member San José Senior Citizens Commission advises the Mayor and City Council on issues affecting older persons. In addition, each Council District within San José has a Senior Advisory Council that provides direct input into programs and services for older residents needed in their communities. Indeed this collaboration helps ensure that the City's New Senior Master Plan is accurate. Most recently, the needs assessment portion of the Joint Strategic Plan for Aging Services was been completed; focus groups identified transportation, nutritious meals, language barriers, housing, senior centers and information as important areas to be strengthened and preserved.

San José has a dozen community centers offering programming for seniors including exercise and dancing, bingo and games, creative arts, health and nutrition services, movies and guest speakers, book clubs, senior sports and special social mixer events. Also, 2004 marked the 10th anniversary of SeniorNet at Willow Glen Senior Center. SeniorNet is a worldwide organization that partnered with the City of San José at three senior centers: Willow Glen Senior Center, Cypress Senior Center and the Almaden Community Center. Staffed by volunteers, SeniorNet provides computer education and access to people over 50. Current classes nurture all skill levels and include Introduction to Computers, Best of the Internet, E-mail, Cards 'n More, Windows XP, Bargains on the Web, Digital Photography, AOL, and Fine-tuning and Troubleshooting Windows XP.