Dunedin – A True Intergenerational Community
Published on November 02, 2023
Written by: Jocelyn Brodhead, Dunedin Parks & Recreation - Recreation Superintendent
My grandmother is one of my favorite people. When I was a middle school student, I was tasked with interviewing a family member from an older generation. Naturally, I chose Gram. I can still recall the lasting effect that assignment had on both myself and my grandmother. I learned things which I had never known as she recounted stories of what it was like growing up in New England as one of eleven during the Great Depression. She shared her dreams, aspirations, even heartaches and tragedies, what she learned from these experiences and how they all shaped her. Our bond strengthened as a result of this interview; I got to know her as more than just my grandmother and began to see the extraordinary woman that she is. It meant a lot to her that I chose her. Every now and then, she’ll say, “Remember when you did that interview…I still have that.”
The City of Dunedin’s Committee on Aging has organized a similar “My Favorite Older Person” essay contest for this year’s Intergenerational Week. During the first week in December, we host various activities which connect people of different generations in honor of this national campaign focused on increasing understanding, reciprocal learning and even discovering commonalities. By providing activities with meaningful engagement, we create opportunities for all generations to feel valued and part of the community by fostering mutual respect, appreciation and lasting intergenerational friendships. Be on the lookout for these activities as well as the heartfelt submissions from Dunedin students about their favorite older person!
The Committee on Aging meets monthly at the Hale Senior Activity Center acting as a collective voice that advocates for Dunedin’s older generations. Members work collaboratively with staff on initiatives and services that contribute to older adults’ quality of life, helping them “age well”. For example, the Committee supports the City’s participation in AARP’s Age-Friendly Network and conducts long-range planning for senior-centric initiatives such as multi-modal transportation opportunities, senior support services directory, fall prevention, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the annual Senior Hall of Fame which recognizes the outstanding contributions of Dunedin seniors.
In addition to serving as the home for the Committee on Aging, the Hale Senior Activity Center also boasts a variety of affordable programs including everything from card games, art programs, health and wellness, socials, support groups, educational seminars, and local outings. The facility is also outfitted with a newly renovated fitness room and computer lab. We are proud to provide this robust schedule that has something for everyone, but it is the vibrant and welcoming environment created by our caring staff that is the facility’s best attribute. As Florida’s first Elder Ready Community, Dunedin is committed to meeting and responding to the needs of our older generations. Staff are genuinely dedicated to helping patrons stay connected, healthy, and thriving. This center is truly a place that honors our older generations, their experiences, and their needs. Interestingly, my grandmother once volunteered here – and you can too! For more information regarding senior programming or volunteer opportunities, please visit www.DunedinGov.com/reccenters or call 727-298-3299.