'Third Places' in Ballwin Keep Older Adults Sharp

Adults ages 55 years-old and over have been hit hard by the recession, according to a recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Thanks to the long-standing Lafayette Older Adults Program (L.O.A.P.), however, area seniors still can find affordable ways to stay involved in their community.

The program has been running over 20 years, said Sherri Klekamp, the City of Ellisville's Recreation coordinator. It represents six cities and two school districts: Ballwin, Chesterfield, Ellisville, Manchester, Wildwood, Winchester, and the Parkway and Rockwood school districts.

The group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month September through May. Held at the from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., coffee, tea, soda and dessert are provided along with entertainment such as card games, guest speakers and bingo.

Yesterday was Chili-Day, where everyone brought a can of chili to be added to a community pot. The World Bird Sanctuary also did a presentation while cards were played.

"I think its a chance for them to come in, meet new people, and be social," Klekamp said of the group's patrons. By the looks of it, she was right: Tables were filled Monday and there was lively conversation.

Yet perhaps the greatest value of these destinations also are the most subtle. A storng social life as an older adult has been shown to increase healthy and happiness in a survey by the U.K.'s Economic and Social Research Council. The effects of similar destinations outside the home — sometimes referred to as "third places" after a place of work and home — also were the topic of a 2009 report out of The University of Newcastle.

"Any chance you get to get out and meet people, it keeps you going," said Marguerite Como, 78, of Ballwin.

Como and tablemates Audrey Berkley, 86, and Shirley Newmann, 75, all from Ballwin, have been attending the program for about 10 years.

"You meet a lot of people, go on trips," Newmann said. "Otherwise you just sit at home!"

A study from Rush University in Chicago found that seniors who are more socially active also are less likely to become disabled.

Neal Handler, 65, said he's seen the negative effects of isolation on his own mother, whose health is significantly deteriorating. Handler said he could tell that losing her driver's license really affected her activity level.

"Sometimes its tempting to say, 'You know, I'm going to stay home and relax,' but that's not good for me," Handler said. "Inactivity sneaks up on you, just like anything else."

All adults 55 years old and older are welcome to attend the Lafayette Older Adults Program. Normal meetings cost $1 per person; special events have different pricing. The next meeting is Monday, November 14th and will be a Thanksgiving luncheon with a cost of $10. For more information, call the Manchester Parks and Recreation Department at 636-391-6326, ext. 401, or one of the other involved municipalities.