Inside the Watts Senior Citizen Community Center, Almeter Carroll sits alone on a couch. It’s nearing noon, yet the center feels quiet. She recalls a wall filled with cheerful photos of friends who are now gone. “They’re all gone. Everyone on that wall. Passed away,” she reflects with a hint of sadness.
Almeter has faced loss herself, including a husband and a partner to COVID. Still, she maintains a positive outlook. “Of course, I get lonely,” she admits, “but I enjoy my independence.” The atmosphere shifts with the sound of friends arriving for lunch, bringing life back to the center.
California is experiencing a demographic shift. By 2030, those over 65 will outnumber the under-18 population. While this means longer lives, it often brings increased loss, grief, and social isolation. Senior centers play a vital role here, providing a supportive space for community and friendship.
“They’re crucial to older adult services,” says Susan DeMarois, the Director of the California Department of Aging. The state is working on a 10-year plan to address housing, healthcare, and other important needs, recognizing that inclusion is key.
However, the state doesn’t track how many senior centers operate across California. Each center is unique, shaped by local demographics and economic conditions. Without much oversight, they often chart their paths independently.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently highlighted loneliness as a serious health issue, saying it affects people like smoking 15 cigarettes daily. In California, about one in five older adults lives alone, making social connections increasingly difficult. A 2025 study from California State University Northridge and Kaiser Permanente found that regular attendance at senior centers significantly boosts mental health and reduces loneliness, particularly for those under 75.
After the challenges of COVID-19, many seniors returned to centers looking for health-focused activities like fitness classes instead of traditional games. “Senior centers evolve with changing needs,” says Dianne Stone from the National Council on Aging. At their core, these centers strive to foster social connections.
Just 20 miles away, the Culver City Senior Center bustles with energy. For a small annual fee, members access various activities, including exercise classes and fun games. When karaoke rolls around, the atmosphere turns festive, with attendees dancing and singing together.
Selvee Provost, who lost her husband during the pandemic, found solace in this vibrant community. “I knew if I sat at home, I’d just feel worse,” she said. Attending a tai chi class allowed her to form new friendships, including one with Daniel Kerson, who had also lost his spouse around the same time.
At the Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center, daily social activities like “Cafe, te y arte” enable mostly Spanish-speaking seniors to connect over coffee and pastries. The warm environment includes fitness classes and lively games of la lotería that draw crowds.
Anthony Montiel, director of the center, is deeply involved, running the schedule and engaging with members. “It’s such a lovely community,” he shares, highlighting the importance of shared meals. Research indicates that communal dining can significantly enhance mental health, which is essential for older adults.
Winter of 2024 saw over 2.3 million meals served to older adults in Los Angeles County, emphasizing that these spaces are critical. Yet, specific data on senior centers remain scarce, complicating efforts to understand their impact fully.
At Watts, while Almeter isn’t keen on free meals, the company of friends is what she values most. She and her gameplaying buddies have made their gatherings lively and joyful, turning the center into a hub of laughter and community.
Though aging alone can have its challenges, Almeter embraces her age: “Oh, I love being 87. It’s great to be alive.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the resilience found in community and companionship.
Joe Garcia is a California Local News fellow.
This piece is part of a joint mental health initiative by CalMatters and CatchLight.
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