Senior Citizen Resource Center's Fair Just What the Doctor Ordered

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Barbara McEachin-Burton, the former nursing director of perinatal services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, spent a lifetime caring about others.

Now, the 71-year-old breast cancer survivor is focusing on her own health.

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“I use my Apple Watch and I try to get in at least 10,000 steps every day,” she said. “If I fall short one day, I push myself a little farther the next day.”

Taking steps to maintain good health was the focus for McEachin-Burton and dozens of other seniors who packed into the New Brunswick Senior Citizen Resource Center on Wednesday, July 24.

The center’s first Senior Self Care Fair brought the city’s seniors together with representatives of community providers and partners such as the Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services, New Brunswick Tomorrow’s Live Well-Vivir Bien and Parker Health Group – the sponsor of the event.

In all, about a dozen groups set up tables and dispensed vital information on eating a balanced diet, picking the right types of exercises, the importance of good sleep, deciding on doctors and recognizing the signs of diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues.

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“The idea came from a need to show seniors that their health is important, and to get them thinking about ways they can be intentional, to put themselves on the front burner as opposed to the background,” said Melanie Ford, director of social services at the center. “So, that means making appointments with your doctor. That means making sure that you’re hydrated. That means exercising. That means nutrition and eating properly. That means checking in with your mental status, as well.”

The work being done at the New Brunswick Senior Citizen Resource Center at 81 Huntington St. is more vital than ever, considering that 2020 U.S. Census data shows that 1 in 6 people in the United States are 65 and over. The older population reached 55.8 million or 16.8% of the population of the United States in 2020, U.S. Census records show.

The center is continuing its yearlong celebration to mark its 50th anniversary. The 10-member staff works hard to make it a vital hub for the 700 or so New Brunswick residents 60 and over who have registered with the center.

And if “Living life to the fullest in 2024 and forevermore” has been adopted as the center’s motto, Ford continues to serve as its heartbeat.

She uses her quick wit and high-energy personality to lead the seniors through countless events and health initiatives throughout the year. Other times, the center partners throughout the year with local health providers to produce Zumba classes or health-focused seminars.

And with the camaraderie fostered by Ford, senior program development specialist in community service Canice Howard and the others on staff, the seniors say it has done wonders for their social health and mental well-being.

“I like the information that we get,” said Gail Lockhart, who likes to gather with other seniors to walk around Buccleuch and Recreation parks. “We always get a lot of information to help with our health and wellness. It’s just a lot of activities. No matter what you come here for, there’s always something for somebody to do – the exercise programs, the trips.”

Mayor Jim Cahill, who arrived as about 100 seniors were enjoying some after-lunch coffee and before the dance floor was opened, reminded them not to put off visiting their doctors. He urged them to take advantage of screenings because early detection of many health issues could be a matter of life and death.

“I’m looking around this room and I see the vast majority if not everybody has spent a lifetime taking care of other people,” he said. “And, you know the best way that you can take care of other people is to take care of yourself.”

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