According to 2020 census information, more than 32 percent of Polk County residents are over 65 years old. The mission of Polk County’s Senior Services division, also known as The Meeting Place, is to improve the lives of seniors through opportunities for active aging, socialization, health promotion, and education.
Senior Services is a division of Polk County’s Health and Human Services Department. Senior Services is located in Columbus, oversees a variety of activities and aids Polk County residents over the age of 60, along with partnering with various organizations throughout the county to offer services in the different communities.
Each month the department hosts events, such as ceramics, indoor cycling, pickleball, devotions, bridge, and much more. The Meeting Place also set up trips, like a boat tour of Lake Lure or a day outing to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, for seniors to attend. The average weekly programming has doubled since 2016, with Senor Services offering 20 to 30 activities per week and most of the services are free to those who are 60 and better.
Another major segment of Senior Services’ work in the community is through the Meals on Wheels program and its in-person dining. In 2016, Senior Services served more than 14,000 meals. This year it is on track to serve more than 42,000 meals to our Polk County senior community.
When you visit the Senior Services website, there’s a spot to subscribe to its newsletter. This newsletter offers a list of the many activities available to local seniors. The website also includes the monthly schedule of activities and menu.
Here’s some information about Senior Services:
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of The Meeting Place Senior Centers is to promote independence and enhance the dignity of Polk County’s older persons, aged 60 years and better, and their families, and ready younger generations to enjoy their later years by providing a community-based system of opportunities, services and protections to advance the social, physical and economic well-being of older persons.
Departmental Goals
- Plan and administer programs which enrich emotional, physical, nutritional, spiritual and social well-being of older persons in order to maintain the highest possible level of independence.
- Prepare younger generations for “life after 60” through seminars, media, and joint programs with other community organizations.
- Provide resources/referrals to aid individuals to attain a better quality of life.
- Promote awareness of programs and services offered through meetings, media and community organizations.
Health and Human Services Director: Josh Kennedy, jkennedy@polknc.org
Population Health Manager: Haley Suskauer
Location Information: 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone Number: Columbus – 828-894-0001
