The Senior Planet center in Miami is collaborating with the City of Miami’s Parks and Recreation Department to bring the Senior Planet experience to more of the city’s older adults.
The project began when site supervisors from the Park’s Department visited the Senior Planet center for a tour to gain an understanding of programs available. The city has over 150 parks that many older residents frequently visit. The collaboration was designed with a goal of reaching more seniors who could participate in Senior Planet programs, but might not be aware of the center or are unable to travel to it on their own.
Through the collaboration, groups of 10-35 older adults are provided free transportation by City of Miami busses to and from the Senior Planet center and meeting places at various parks. Sessions last 2-6 hours and are planned in advance so that organizers can tell center staff what the participants are interested in, what language they prefer, and how long they will visit for. Visitors in the program have joined classes on topics including Protecting Your Information Online, Smartphone basics, Messaging Apps, Streaming & Smart TVs, Ridesharing Apps, Telehealth, Online Banking, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality.
“The program has allowed us to deepen Senior Planet’s community partnership with the City of Miami,” said Cesar Mendez Rijo, Senior Planet center manager in Miami. “A benefit of the collaboration is that it is promoted by the Parks Department, which has extensive reach across the city. The city has been a driving force in letting people know that we provide a valuable and trustworthy service, and that we are here to help the city’s older adults. They have really taken steps to make the City of Miami age friendly.”
The first cohort of seniors was brought to the center on May 3, 2024. Between then and the end of June, seven more busses filled with older adults who are eager to learn visited the center. Senior Planet has also done presentations at various local parks so that the seniors who have their own means of transportation can learn about upcoming programs and visit the center on their own.
Scroll through photos of some of the visits below:
