Manoj Pardasani

Modern senior centers have been around since World War II. But now it is time they adapt to the 21 century, according to a study directed by social worker Manoj Pardasani, PhD, LCSW, ACSW.

Pardasani, who is an associate professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, was asked to do the study by the Council of Senior Centers and Services of New  York City Inc.

The study found that senior centers must adapt to serve a more diverse clientele that includes more racial and ethnic groups, including first-generation immigrants and bilingual seniors. The centers also need to diversify their programs and services and hire more qualified staff, among other things.

Modern senior centers developed in New York City and CSCS officials said the city should lead new developments in this arena.

“It is time that the city seizes the opportunity to support, redesign, reconceptualize and innovate senior centers for the new millennium,” the study’s executive summary said.

To read the full executive summary of the report click here.

To learn more about how social workers help the nation’s oldest citizens visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Seniors & Aging Web page by clicking here.