Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket & Plymouth Senior Centers

Aging gracefully comes with its unique set of challenges and joys. As we navigate the intricacy of growing older, the need for a supportive community becomes increasingly important. Senior centers are vital in today’s world as they offer not just services but cultivating spaces where seniors can flourish.

In Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth, these centers are worth more than the brick-and-mortar structures; they are a hotbed of community, fun and companionship. These centers help to promote a sense of purpose and belonging among seniors.

From the Tisbury Senior Center’s commitment to equal access to Island Elderly Housing’s dedication to affordable homes, these centers exemplify a diverse array of missions, all united by the common goal of enhancing the lives of older adults. Let’s discover the senior centers in the region.

Martha’s Vineyard

Tisbury Senior Center

Address: 34 Pine Tree Rd | Vineyard Haven, Ma 02568
City/Town: Vineyard Haven
Phone: +1 508-693-0887

The Tisbury Senior Center, established in 1991, has been dedicated to improving the lives of adults aged 55 and older. As a non-profit, non-sectarian institution, the center prioritizes equal access to social, economic, and political systems, fostering a safe and secure environment. The center transcends the conventional, providing a space where seniors actively engage in human services, leadership, education, and the preservation of our collective history.

From congregate lunches served year-round to fully air-conditioned facilities in summer, we offer a comfortable haven. With versatile spaces for gatherings, cooking classes, and community events, the Tisbury Senior Center encourages intergenerational connections, ensuring seniors remain integral members of the broader community.

Island Elderly Housing Inc

Address: 60 Village Rd Ste B | Vineyard haven, Ma 02568
City/Town: Vineyard Haven
Phone: +1 508-693-5880

Since its inception in 1977, Island Elderly Housing, Inc. (IEH) has been a stalwart supporter of Martha’s Vineyard’s senior community. Fueled by federal and state funding, this 501(c)(3) organization has quietly provided over 165 residents with affordable rental housing, addressing the critical need for accessible homes for the elderly and disabled. The founders’ vision remains intact, with IEH excelling in delivering quality, affordable housing, and essential Quality of Life services. Asides from offering shelter, IEH becomes a cornerstone for community connection; over 95% of residents have local family ties. This commitment enables seniors to maintain an active role in their family, friends, and the broader Vineyard community, fostering independent living without the weight of homeownership burdens.

Edgartown Council on Aging

Address: 10 Daggett Street | Edgartown, Ma 02539
City/Town: Edgartown
Phone: +1 508-627-4368

The Edgartown Council on Aging, affectionately known as The Anchors, is a center of inclusivity, offering numerous programs, services, and events without any membership restrictions. Rooted in the heart of the Town of Edgartown, The Anchors extends a warm invitation to all, irrespective of age or town of residence. At the core of its offerings are engaging activities such as Strength Training, Yoga, and Tai Chi, fostering physical well-being. There are also various events such as monthly bowling, knitting circles, and strategic games like Mah Jong and Bridge. The Anchors takes a comprehensive approach to health, providing essential services like dental and foot clinics, coupled with free health screenings. There are no age restrictions as seniors can join at just 55 compared other centers that require, they be 60.

West Tisbury Council on Aging

Address: 2 State Rd | West Tisbury, Ma 02575
City/Town: West Tisbury
Phone: +1 508-693-2896

The West Tisbury Council on Aging stands as a stalwart advocate for the well-being of senior residents in the towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah. Focused on identifying both the physical and social needs of elderly people, the council plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and supportive community for those aged sixty and above. Through a diverse array of programs and services, ranging from Ballet, Yoga, and Mah Jong to Strength Training and Watercolor classes, the council addresses the multifaceted aspects of seniors’ lives.

Essential healthcare initiatives such as Blood Pressure Clinics, Pedi care Clinics, and Parkinson’s Support Groups contribute to their physical well-being. Moreover, the council extends critical outreach services, including Fuel Assistance, SNAP, and government surplus food distribution, ensuring seniors have access to vital resources. By offering services like SHINE insurance consultations, Notary Services, and Lifeline support, the West Tisbury Council on Aging emerges as a comprehensive and compassionate pillar, enriching the lives of seniors in numerous ways.

Oak Bluffs Council on Aging

Address: 21 Wamsutta Avenue | Oak Bluffs, Ma 02557
City/Town: Oak Bluffs
Phone: +1 508-693-4509

The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging is a dedicated place of support, helping to develop a vibrant community for seniors via a combination of services and programs. This center is committed to enhancing the quality of life of its senior citizens. It does this by providing various activities, from the Men’s & Ladies Luncheon to the energizing Chair Yoga Dance and the uplifting Threshold Choir. Part of these multifaceted offerings include the UFO’S – Unfinished Forgotten Objects project, promoting creativity and companionship. Health and wellness take center stage with clinics for hearing, foot care, and public health, ensuring comprehensive care for seniors. Seniors can engage in spirited rounds of Bingo, Scrabble, or Mahjongg, participating in exercise groups, and sharing moments over coffee are integral components of our social engagement initiatives.

Nantucket

Saltmarsh Senior Center

Address: 81 Washington St | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket
Phone: +1 508-228-4490

Saltmarsh Senior Center offers a myriad of social and recreational opportunities tailored for men and women aged 60 and above. Inside its physical walls, a warm and inclusive environment exists. The center fosters friendships and community among seniors. The center provides a diverse range of activities, from fitness classes and educational programs to hobby-based workshops, ensuring mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Dedicated staff curate events that cater to various interests, promoting active engagement and a sense of purpose.

Homestead

Address: 115 Main St | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket
Phone: +1 508-228-1135

For a century, Homestead has stood as a beacon of support and care for seniors on Nantucket, embodying a legacy of compassion that traces back to its inception in 1919. Initially conceived as a response to the pressing need for housing among the island’s older community members, Homestead evolved into a private non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of seniors. The establishment of “The Old People’s Home” in 1930 marked the beginning of a legacy that endures to this day.

Homestead continues to provide a comfortable family-like environment, offering seniors a simplified and carefree lifestyle. With a century of dedication, the organization remains resolute in its mission to make this haven of support and tranquility accessible to as many seniors as possible, ensuring affordability without compromising the quality of care and compassion that defines the Homestead experience.

Plymouth

Plymouth Center for Active Living

Address: 44 Nook Rd | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Plymouth
Phone: +1 508-830-4230

The Plymouth Center for Active Living is a center committed to creating a safe and trusted environment, both in-person and virtually, making it a vital resource for the community. Collaborating with the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center, the center hosts a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group, fostering connections and guidance. Every Thursday, seniors gather for enriching sessions from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM, supplemented by a monthly family supper and support session on the first Tuesday from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. This unique approach, coupled with childcare support, exemplifies the center’s dedication to promoting a healthy and vital lifestyle throughout the aging process.

Creating Communities Where Seniors Can Thrive and Engage

As pillars of support for older adults, senior centers across the regions embody diverse missions and services, each contributing uniquely to the well-being of the senior community. From comprehensive programs and advocacy to addressing specific needs like affordable housing and food security, these centers play a pivotal role.

They not only provide essential services but also create communities where seniors can thrive, engage, and lead fulfilling lives. As we explore the distinct offerings of these senior centers, it becomes evident that they are more than physical spaces; they are essential community hubs capable of fostering connection, resilience, and a sense of purpose for seniors across Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth.

Check out these additional resources for seniors: Home Safety for Seniors, Tips for Seniors Buying Cannabis, and Estate Planning for Seniors.