5-03-2026 12:29pm

Somerset County Seniors Find Creative Ways to Find Community, Stay Healthy

Donnella Tilery Editor

Cora Chow

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): In celebration of Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of self-care, finding community, and staying active, senior residents at the Warrenbrook Wellness Center are flexing their creative muscles to show how they stay healthy through artistic endeavors.

“It can be easy to forget how inspirational, relaxing, and therapeutic an art class can be,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services. “Creating artwork with others is a great way to showcase individuality and build community. These classes are proof that creativity leads to improved wellness.”

Renee Burawski, Director of the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, cited an article by the American Psychiatric Association that explained how the creation of art can fight the negative effects of loneliness.

“The article mentions that ‘brain imaging research has found that areas of the brain associated with social connection are impacted by engaging in art’,” Burawski said. “The seniors engaged in the art group at Warrenbrook didn’t need research to experience the social and health benefits of creating art.”

Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and scheduling routine checkups are proven ways for seniors to protect their physical and mental health. However, many seniors are discovering that engaging in creative outlets, like painting or drawing, are also effective ways to fight loneliness, boredom, improve mental clarity, and boost overall health.

“Soon after I retired, I saw an announcement for a free four-week water painting course, and so I came,” said Mary Joe Altom, a member of the Warrenbrook Wellness Center. “We talk more than we paint at times. We’ve been here for years together, and I look forward to seeing my friends every week.”

Cora Chow, who’s attended the Warrenbrook Wellness Center since 2005, said that the process of creating art has led to great conversations and friendships throughout the years.

“I started by painting oil portraits, but I like to create with charcoal now. It’s a small project, with no pressure,” Chow said. “I enjoy the company of others, and we all enjoy the social part of painting at the stage of life we’re in. After retirement, we do need activities like this to maintain friendships.”

Friendship, along with feelings of peace, inspiration, and community, were some of the many social benefits enjoyed by the class.

Barbara Gillespie, the newest member of the class, said that everyone is free to step away from the distractions and busyness of life when they come together to create.

“When I was working full-time, I would buy crafts and never touch them,” Gillespie said. “Once I retired, I started to use them and made up for lost time. I enjoy coming here, meeting people, and having the dedicated time to create. At home, there’s always some chore or something to do. This takes me away from that.”

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services now features a collection of donated artwork from senior residents that exists within the waiting room. Somerset County’s Cultural & Heritage Commission assisted on the project by curating the artwork and providing frames to ensure that the gallery remains a permanent fixture in the office.

The gallery wall is intended to showcase the artistic talent of seniors, beautify the space for staff and residents, and serve as a reminder that creativity can relieve stress and bring happiness. It also reflects how Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers continue their work helping seniors find community and live a healthier life.

“The staff members at each center are always creating new opportunities for seniors to engage in various activities that promote their social, physical, and psychological well-being. Center staff are so creative, nurturing, and committed to their work for our senior residents,” Burawski said.

Seniors can discover more activities and other helpful resources throughout the month of May. All six Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers, which are operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services (OoADS), feature programs that are designed to build community and promote healthy living. All centers will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

For anyone aged 60 or older, Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers also offer a nutritionally balanced lunch, Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50. Menu choices include a hot meat-based or meatless entrée or a cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunch. Make lunch reservations prior to 10 a.m. on the previous business day by calling the senior center you wish to attend.

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services provides information regarding aging safely in place and in the community. Those over 60 who need assistance with daily life activities are welcome to attend with a caregiver. For assistance, including caregiver support and resources, contact the main office at (908) 704-6346 or (888) 747-1122. Staff are available to meet you at a center or in your home.

Programs are free for registered members, unless indicated otherwise. Residents must call or visit a wellness center to register. Proof of identification, age, and residency are required.

Somerset County Senior Wellness Centers are supported by the Somerset County Commissioners and the NJ Department of Human Services, Office of Aging Services.