etting older means getting better according to members of Tamaqua's Older and Bolder Seniors Program, a group of 55 and older men and women who meet at the Tamaqua Salvation Army.

The program was organized in 2009 as a means of providing support to the area's senior citizens. It has evolved to the point where the seniors are now providing support to the community.Program director Dina Depos has been there from the beginning. She credits the participants with the group's change in focus."We started with the idea of providing mature citizens with a place where they could socialize and discover ways to enjoy their golden years instead of languishing in their homes. We planned weekly activities to allow seniors to improve their mental, physical and spiritual well-being. They let us know they wanted to do more, to find ways to continue to be an integral part of the community."And the group has done just that, creating a volunteer quilting group, "the Needlebugs," providing lap blankets to local hospitals, nursing homes and outreach missions; starting a bell choir that performs at a variety of events, including during the Christmas holidays; manning the Salvation Army's Red Kettles; cooking for many Sal events; assembling baskets for the Schuylkill-Carbon unit of the American Cancer Society; and helping wherever the need arises. And there's always the fun aspect, like holiday parties, miniature golf and movie outings, visits from Santa, picnics, social games and spa days.The March 30 meeting included a presentation by representatives of Diakon Lutheran Services and AARP, who challenged members to see "longevity as a gift. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?" asked Debbie Herb of AARP. Responses ranged at least 15 years younger than the members ages. The representatives also explained the many volunteer and employment opportunities available to seniors.According to Depos, the majority of members are widowed and the average age of these volunteers is 80. Rather than spending all of their time at home, alone, with no social contact, they have opted to remain active."The program offers them the opportunity to gain a sense of empowerment, confidence and a belonging, a place to express their ideas, talents and emotions."Regular weekly meetings offer the opportunity to continue to learn by indulging their creative side through art; learning about health and nutrition tips; attending a movie or a group lunch; and learning about topics designed specifically for seniors, such as scams, volunteerism or actual employment opportunities.The program has developed a number of community partnerships over its eight-year span, which enable the program to flourish, providing support in a number of ways, including financially. Partners include Schuylkill United Way, Morgan Foundation, St. Luke's Miners Memorial Health Center, Diakon Senior Services, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Schuylkill Transportation System, Tamaqua Community Art Center, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce, Schuylkill-Carbon American Cancer Society, Penn's Peak, Prevention Health Services and AARP.The main program is held eight months of the year, with spring (March-June) and fall (September-December) sessions.Weekly meetings are held Wednesdays at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., Tamaqua. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. and include a light lunch. Most weeks the meetings are finished by 12:30 p.m., but there are special events that run longer and trips where transportation is provided by the Schuylkill Transportation System.Depos suggests that while the program was created with seniors in mind, the group is open to anyone "young at heart."For more information on the program, contact Depos at 570-668-0410 or stop by the Salvation Army almost any Wednesday morning.