AMHERST — More than half of the people 50 and older who responded to a town survey say a gym and better parking would make them more likely to become regulars at the Amherst Senior Center.
Of the 595 people who responded to the 2025 survey, 56% cited a gym as a need and 54% called for improved parking at the downtown facility. Half said a new building to replace the Bangs Community Center would encourage them to participate.
The Council on Aging has been located inside the Bangs, at 70 Boltwood Walk, since 1978, sharing the space with other municipal departments and the John P. Musante Health Center.
“This survey gives us an opportunity to listen to older adults in Amherst and use their experiences to help shape what comes next,” Director of Senior Services Dan
Garcia said in a statement. “We want every Amherst senior to feel connected, supported and welcome.”
“We’re grateful to everyone who shared their perspective and look forward to using their feedback to strengthen our programs and work with community partners to respond to changing needs,” Garcia said.
The just-released survey indicates 73% of respondents intend to age in Amherst, and that those who use the Senior Center are highly satisfied. But 60% of respondents said it is not part of their routine.
From this, town officials are drawing the conclusion that there is a significant engagement gap, with the main barrier appearing to be relevance and routine rather than transportation.
Adding a gym, improving facilities, and offering a wider variety of programs could help make the center more appealing and encourage greater participation.
Already, there are plans underway to convert offices that had been used by the health department into an exercise room featuring treadmills, recumbent bikes and other fitness equipment.
One popular program is the Wednesday Market food distribution, with 65% giving it a positive rating, though the fitness classes get 60% positive ratings, too, with SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare) appointments, health services and dance classes also rating highly.
In response to the survey results, the Council on Aging and Senior Services identified leadership priorities to guide their strategic planning and decision making.
First, they intend to reposition the Senior Center as an active aging and community hub by expanding fitness, wellness, lifelong learning, cultural, outdoor, intergenerational and younger-senior programming.
Second, they would strengthen outreach and conversion, by using email reminders, a clearer calendar, targeted outreach to new retirees, and a “first visit” pathway that makes it easy for residents to begin participating.
Third, they would address parking, facilities and long-term space needs.
Finally, there could be expansion of aging-in-place support, by prioritizing housing, tax relief, transportation, healthcare access, in-home assistance, caregiver support and benefits navigation, and building on the popular programs.
Official caution that there are limitations to the results, including that almost three-quarters of the respondents were female, 85% were white and almost all speak English. In addition, less than one in 10 of those in Amherst between the ages of 50 and 60, and 70% hold a graduate or professional degree.
Officials cautioned that the results have limitations. Nearly three-quarters of respondents were women, 85% were white and nearly all primarily speak English. In addition, 70% hold a graduate or professional degree, and fewer than one in 10 respondents were [between 50 and 60].
