Lots of people apparently have chosen to live their “golden years” in the Nashville area. According to the 2013 US census, 14.7 percent of the population in the Nashville area is 65 and older. The same benefits that make Nashville such an attractive place for all ages—in a nutshell, a high quality of life combined with a relatively low cost of living (and no income tax), convenient location, and pleasant climate—make it an especially desirable place for retired people. Those who have left the rigors of the work world now have even more time to take advantage of Nashville's thousands upon thousands of acres of parks and waterways, its golf courses, swimming pools, country clubs, tennis courts, historical attractions, shopping opportunities, music, and much more.
A number of retirement communities offer a range of lifestyle options, from independent to assisted living. A fine senior citizens’ center, with convenient branches throughout the area, provides opportunities for recreation, travel, relaxation, and even volunteerism with friends old and new. For many retired people, the issue of health care becomes increasingly important. With such well-respected institutions as Vanderbilt University Medical Center right in town, health care access is excellent in Nashville. The central location near major interstates, along with an international airport, makes getting in and out of town—whether you're going to see the grandkids or they're coming to see you—a snap. And plenty of public transportation is available as well. Of course, being a senior means you get to enjoy many of the fine attractions detailed in this book at a reduced cost! The Nashville area is a great place to grow old and stay young at the same time.
EASTER SEALS TENNESSEE, 750 Old Hickory Blvd., #2-260, Brentwood, TN 37027; (615) 292-6640; easterseals.com/tennessee. While Easter Seals serves people of all ages, the organization's Turner Family Center offers a variety of health and wellness programs for seniors. The Turner Center's state-of-the-art, wheelchair-accessible fitness center offers conditioning and physical therapy for all fitness levels. The center's indoor pool is open year-round. Among the programs offered are stroke support and an Arthritis Pain Center; the latter offers physical and occupational therapy, aquatics in the therapy pool, and educational classes.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 356-7170; nashvillejcc.org. The facilities and programs at this center are first-rate, making it popular with families and people of all ages. The center offers a variety of programs for senior citizens, many of them using the center's pool and gym. Classes targeting seniors include water aerobics, gentle yoga, and “golden age” exercise programs. The center also has a variety of classes. You don't have to be Jewish to join, but you do need to be a member; special discounts are available for seniors.
FIFTY FORWARD, 174 Rains Ave., Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 743-3400; fiftyforward.org. Fifty Forward is a private, nonprofit organization for adults 50 years and older. The organization and its centers offer more than 60 classes, including computers, exercise classes, Spanish and French, social dancing, square dancing, quilting, art, and wood carving. Activities vary from center to center.
Two of Fifty Forward's major programs are its adult day care and Meals on Wheels. The day care (615-463-2266) is available Mon through Fri from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended care hours if necessary. The Meals on Wheels program (615-463-2264) is one of 12 such programs in Davidson County; Senior Citizens Inc.’s program covers south and west Nashville. Residents ages 50 and older who are homebound can have a lunchtime meal delivered to their homes Mon through Sat for a nominal fee based on income.
Other services offered include a nonprofit travel agency, case management for homebound seniors that coordinates Meals on Wheels, referrals to various agencies, volunteer assistance, and respite care that helps them remain in their homes as long as possible.
The following local and national organizations serve as vital resource outlets and information clearinghouses for seniors.
GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL, 501 Union St., Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 862-8828; gnrc.org. Greater Nashville Regional Council, a sort of “one-stop shop” for senior needs, is an information referral and assistance program for seniors and those who love and care for them. Using an extensive, nationally used software program, workers assess callers’ needs and then connect them to community resources that can meet those needs. Sometimes the answer can be provided with one call; in other instances follow-up is necessary. Senior Solutions often does the legwork for social workers, calling multiple agencies to find who can provide the needed assistance. Help covers a wide range: anything from finances and health care to depression, residential facilities, and housecleaning.
Senior Services Information
These organizations may be able to answer questions or help determine which organization can provide you with the senior services information you need.
Eldercare Locator, (800) 677-1116; eldercare.gov.
Greater Nashville Regional Council, (615) 862-8828; gnrc.org
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, (800) 238-1443; las.org.
Metro Action Commission, (615) 862-8860; nashville.gov/metro-action-commission/aspx.
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, (615) 331-6033; mchra.com.
National Council on Aging, (800) 677-1116; ncoa.org.
National Institute on Aging, (800) 222-2225; nia.nih.gov.
Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability, (615) 741-2056; tn.gov/aging.
United Way Help Line, Nashville, (615) 269-4357; usnashville.org.
MID-CUMBERLAND HUMAN RESOURCE AGENCY, 1101 Kermit Dr., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37217; (615) 331-6033; mchra.com. The Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to help people help themselves by providing knowledge and resources to improve the quality of life.” Founded in 1974, the agency serves the counties of Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson, and has offices in each county. The agency's extensive list of services available include homemaking assistance, nutrition/home-delivered meals, home health care, transportation services, and representative payee services for those who are unable to handle their own finances due to disabilities.