Research has shown that for people over 50, staying active will help reduce symptoms of depression, improve the ability to think, learn and make decisions.

The Senior Center of South Pearl River County is a great resource in our community to stay active and social.

The center offers a variety of activities, including line dancing, card games and even exercise classes.

On most Fridays at noon, the center hosts a potluck lunch and on Monday through Thursday the center provides lunch for residents 60 years or older.

They also host classes in sewing, woodcarving, painting and piano. A Spanish class is held twice a week for seniors looking to learn another language.

During tax season, the center provides free tax preparation, which is a huge financial help for many residents in the county.

At Christmastime, the senior center also sponsors the Adopt-a-Senior Snowflake project. The project allows members of the community to select a snowflake that represents a senior citizen in the county and purchase them a gift card for Christmas. All those who participate in the program are anonymous.

The program helps the seniors feel special and loved during the holidays, especially if the person lives alone.

If a citizen has no transportation to the center, the senior center will pick them up each day. The bus will even take seniors to the grocery store, the hair salon or to run other errands.

Remember, not everyone has help from family and friends. For many in the area, the Senior Center of South Pearl River County provides the help they need.