Wheelies and Wheelchairs

When my brother first told me that my grandmother now acts like a teenager, I didn't understand at first.  But his description of her chatting with pals, jumping from one activity to the next, and giggling about potential beaus made it obvious to me how similar teenagers and senior citizens are.

While they may be decades apart in age teens and senior citizens are only yards apart when it comes to hanging out with their friends in Foster City. The Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park is home to both the VIBE Teen Center and the Senior Wing, where both groups spend time with their peers, ride buses to go on excursions, see movies, play games and take classes. 

For example, the VIBE often hosts movie nights using their big-screen TV and, similarly, the Senior Wing has a weekly Thursday matinee series.  Field trips are organized through VIBE's boys and girls clubs and outings are available to seniors on the Senior Express Bus. 

Although there are similarities, the activities that teens and seniors participate in differ. 

The skate park, designed to accommodate both boarders and in-line skaters, has been highly successful at attracting teens. Seniors, however, have yet to join their ranks in popping wheelies.

A regular attendant of the skate park, CJ, said, "I usually skate the pyramid, because you can do most tricks on it.  The vertical wall is pretty fun too.  Mostly, I just like to try out new things."

When asked whether there is much overlap between the Vibe and the Senior Center, teen Matt said, "No there aren't many interactions, but we do see them around.  Sometimes they watch us at the skate park or basketball courts."

Conversely, there have not been reports of teens participating in the Art Class at the Senior Wing, though attendees are careful to point out that they don't consider the class to be a senior art class, but an art class for all ages – despite the majority of attendants.

Leda Hovanesian, Senior Wing Recreation Leader said, "We do not have any shared programs with the Teen Center at this point."

Individuals from both groups agreed that it would be beneficial to join together with coordinated activities and common resources.  Hovanesian said, "Yes it would be great, everything helps.  We are always open to suggestions on how to improve the center." 

Both young and old are part of the Foster City community and for both groups these centers bring people together and build a sense of community.  Based on the large crowds of teens and seniors that one can see gather there for various programs, they appear to be a big success. 

Teen Vibe and the Senior Wing are both located at 650 Shell Boulevard. To learn more about Teen VIBE, call (650) 286-3395 or visit the Teen VIBE website.

For scheduled events and activities at the Senior Wing, call (650) 286-2585 or visit the Senior Wing website.  For information on volunteering at the Senior Wing call (650) 286-3378.