Barrow Country Seniors Center
by Candice Felice

Georgia's senior population is on the rise. Census figures confirm that the north Georgia mountains are a big draw for retirees. Barrow County in northeast Georgia is one of the top three counties in the area where the senior population is thriving. And many use their local community center to stay healthy and active. Every day more than 130 people over the age of 60 come to the Barrow County Seniors Center. Jerry Friar is one of them.

"You see us in here exercising. We do that most every day. And then on Tuesdays, we have a lady come in with Karaoke and we exercise with her. Pretty much the same exercising but different. And that's nice. That helps you."

There are also bingo games and computer classes. All of those who come live on their own. Elizabeth Moore is the center's director. She says those who come have a new perspective.

"The idea of aging has changed over the years. At one time, say 15 to 20 years ago, being 60 years old was old in people's mind. You turn 60 now, you hit the ground running."

That's what 62-year-old Diane Sams did. She's a retired businesswoman who's been enjoying the center for two years.

"I considered it a blessing when I started coming here. I discovered there was more to life than just being alone. I found friends and love and companionship and discovered that I could go out and have a life again."

Sams says line dancing and day trips to different places around Georgia are some of the things she enjoys doing most with her friends at the center.

Nora Deaton says the seniors center gives her something to look forward to while her husband continues his plumbing business.

"Well, I think a lot of it has to do with state of mind, and being here helps me to keep my mind on something else."

There is no cost to those who come for the activities, which are funded largely by the county. The federal government contributes 15% of the center's money, and 4% comes from the state.

Center director Moore believes it's money well spent, because she says the activities, education, and healthy meals they get cut down on healthcare costs.

"We have one gentleman that is no longer on his blood pressure medicine, just because of the exercise that he does three days a week, and that's a wonderful step. It's just one step of improvement, but any improvement is good. It's not one step backward, but one forward. So it's nutrition education that we give.

Experts say ongoing mental and physical activity will put off nursing home care, which costs an average of $66,000 a year. Moore says the popularity of the center shows that the stereotypes attached to seniors to stay at home and grow old gracefully no longer apply.

"If you are at home and you are sitting at home and you are isolated, the only thing you have to think on is what"s hurting."

For Jerry Friar, who was a professional jockey in Kentucky before moving to Barrow, the center has given him a new lease on life.

"I would be laying on the couch and watching TV and that was my life. And I would get bored and I would get to feeling depressed and sorry for myself. So that's when they brought me here. This place saved my life. Basically that's exactly what happened."

Seniors centers like the one in Barrow County can be found in every Georgia county. And if census trends hold true, their use will grow in the coming decade.