Akron Life September 2022

FOREVER YOUNG

by Alexandra Sobczak and photos provided by Barberton Active Adult Center

Strength in Numbers The Barberton Active Adult Center offers camaraderie and new experiences.

Donna White joined a new community when she really needed companionship and activities to fill her social calendar. “My husband passed away, and a friend of mine asked me if I would like to join them at the senior center,” says the Akron resident. “So

Barberton Active Adult Center

That was two and a half years ago, and now, White is a regular at the Barberton Active Adult Center, where residents and nonresidents alike can become members and enjoy activities like meals, work out classes, trips and more. Joining the center intro duced her to so many things that she now likes that she

hadn’t done with her late husband, such as going to concerts with friends. “I was married to him for 63 years. We did every thing together,” she says. “I didn’t go out without him, and he didn’t go out with out me. So this was a new experience for me.” She has also met many new people and has made close

friends. She is grateful for the center’s many activi ties that get her out of her house nearly every day. “I joined the senior center at a real down time in my life,” she says. “They helped me so much.” She shares a few ways get ting involved in a commu nity center can help you.

she started me going, and it’s a

good thing, because I would have been in my house alone.”

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