This month, the largest senior center in the state, managed by Catholic Charities Hawaii, celebrates its 50th anniversary caring for Hawaii’s kupuna.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center in Liliha marks half a century providing recreational activities, educational classes, social services and volunteer opportunities that help seniors maintain their health, wellness and independence.
The center serves more than 1,500 seniors age 60 years and older.
Built by the State in 1969 to be a model senior center, Lanakila gives Hawaii’s elderly community and their families the security of a sustained community hub. Members participate in yoga, tai chi, line dancing, ukulele lessons, craft activities, brain exercises, Hanafuda, Korean dance, veteran’s talk story, gardening, hula, lei and quilt making, and more.
Also popular are the center’s many social and cultural clubs, which encourage a healthy and active lifestyle and appreciation of the diverse culture in Hawaii.
“All of our senior programs are aimed at keeping seniors healthy and living independently for as long as safely possible,” said Stella Wong, Catholic Charities vice president for programs.
“Hawaii’s population, more than that of any other state, is aging rapidly,” she said. “It’s important that our seniors are taken care of in a way that ensures their dignity and preserves their quality of life.”
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of Hawaii’s seniors is growing at more than twice the national rate. In 2018, more than 255,000 adults in the State were over the age of 65.
The senior center’s target population lives between Fort Shafter and Ward Avenue, but it is open to anyone who lives outside that area if no comparable service or program exists there.
For more information, call 847-1322 or visit catholiccharitieshawaii.org.
