The mission of Older Adult Services is to optimize quality of life for older adults and those who support them through welcoming, respectful and meaningful opportunities that engage and value older people, and empower them to remain independent and to be important assets in our community. 

After many years functioning as small neighborhood drop-in centers, The Newton Senior Center opened in 1993 after the renovation of the Newtonville Branch Library Building. Designed in 1938, the Classical Revival structure features stained glass windows and welcoming, comfortable meeting rooms that accommodate all who participate in the programs described here. (link for further history of the building) 

The Community Development Block Grants funded the renovation and volunteer efforts tapped into the generosity of private businesses and individuals. The Senior Center was originally awarded National Senior Center accreditation in October 2002.

In response to Newton’s rapidly growing older adult population, as well as to address the in increasing demand for the programs and services being provided through the Newton Senior center, The Department of Senior Services was established in July,2005. The Senior Center “expanded its four walls” into the community to improve access to its programs and services.

The Department responsibilities include the oversight of the programs and services offered through the Department of Older Adult Services and in the greater community, provision of social services/case management, access to transportation and the coordination of the functions of the Newton Council on Aging. Click here for more information on the Council on Aging.

In February 2016, through the leadership of the Department of Senior Services and the Newton Council on Aging the City of Newton was designated as an Age-Friendly Community by the World Health Organization and AARP. This designation provided guidelines to engage all segments of the community to help determine the actions needed to assure that resources are prioritized to make Newton a place for people of all ages to live and grow older in.  Click Here for our Age Friendly information page.

In 2018, a commitment was made to develop a new state of the art facility (Newton Center for Active Living) that will allow the Department to continue to expand its ability to respond to the changing and very diverse interest and needs of older residents of Newton. Click Here to view information on NewCal.

We continue to grow and expand in order to meet our mission, stay connected with us as we do.