The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging
Reimagine Older Adulthood + Find Your Community
At The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging, we know that life after 60 is a time of expansive possibility. Our programs are designed to provide older adults the mutual support and communal experiences that enrich our lives as we age. Discover purpose and meaning tailored to your modern aging journey and the vibrant Jewish community at The Wechsler Center, where there’s something to engage every interest.
We curate areas of focus that help 60+ adults develop the tools and attitudes that keep life interesting and fulfilling here on the Upper West Side. This includes Technology Education, Outings + Trips, Caring Initiatives, and more.
Browse Our Wide Array of Programs
Special Events
The Wechsler Center Symposium on Positive Aging is an annual event that explores timely topics related to modern aging with panel discussions, expert presentations, and interactive workshops. Stay tuned for more information.
Week of Wechsler is an initiative tailored for our modern aging population, taking place May 14–20, 2024. Each day features interesting speakers, gatherings, and unique opportunities for learning, exploration, and connection, with the headline event of an in-person Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, May 16.
Wechsler Center social events and celebrations play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults by promoting social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Arts + Culture
The JCC's Wechsler Center for Modern Aging offers a variety of activities to satisfy your creative side, from acting to memoir-writing to music lectures and beyond. Whether you want to try something new or hone long-held skills, our experienced instructors provide opportunities to sculpt your talents and passions.
Discussion Groups + Learning
Are you seeking a community for lively and intelligent debate? Interested in classes on a wide variety of topics? The Wechsler Center offers many opportunities to learn and discuss with your fellow older adults.
We offer a number of groups for those seeking community and comfort. Regardless of where you are in life, we are here to support you in your journey.
- Life Transitions
- Single Living
- Parents with Adult Children
- Support Groups for 80+
- Women's Group
Recreation
Join our recreational classes, including Mah Jongg, Canasta, and Bridge. Stimulate your brain and hone your skills in a fun learning environment. You may register for either monthly class to attend any of the sessions that month.
Volunteering
Find meaningful volunteer opportunities to draw on your skills, interests, passions, and experience, both at the JCC and in the community. Opportunities include clothing drives, English language tutoring, and caring calls to other older adults.
Through Engage@Wechsler, older adults find meaningful volunteer opportunities to use their skills, passion, and leadership to meet the needs of the JCC and help partner agencies in the community. Volunteers serve as peer leaders and join in regular community-building gatherings.
Technology
The Wechsler Center is dedicated to ensuring that individuals stay informed about modern technology. We provide diverse classes throughout the seasons, covering topics such as fundamental PC and Mac skills, interactive Ask and Learn sessions, application usage, online dating, iPhone photography, streaming TV services, and more.
Tech Soup volunteers teach JCC Zoom tutorials and provide one-on-one tech assistance to other seniors. Volunteers, working collaboratively with other volunteers, remotely assist clients with smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Mac devices. To request one-on-one assistance, email techsoup1on1@mmjccm.org.
Join the Tech Soup Volunteer Staff: Volunteers should be familiar with PC or Mac operating systems, browsers, and associated apps. Typical help is generally "how-to" strategies for system updates, downloading and using apps, email management, and safe social media usage. If you would like to volunteer with Tech Soup, please contact apelletier@mmjccm.org.
Do you find technology to be moving at a daunting rate? Do you want to improve your social media or mobile device skills? Then sign up for SeniorTechNYC! One of the JCC's original volunteer programs, SeniorTechNYC offers technology classes for adults 50+ taught by knowledgeable volunteers. If you have questions about our classes, please email us at seniortechnyc@mmjccm.org.
Join the SeniorTechNYC Volunteer Staff: Share your technical knowledge with others by tutoring. Never taught? We'll train you! If you want to join the SeniorTechNYC volunteers, please email us at seniortechnyc@mmjccm.org.
Outings + Trips
See New York City and meet new people as we explore museums, parks, and historical sites around the New York area via guided tours.
Aging with Purpose
Discover new resources and support to live your later years with spirit, resilience, and wisdom. Programs include our popular What Matters: Advance Care Planning for Seniors, medical care referral groups, and community connection projects.
The Memory Project
The Memory Project offers invaluable support and engagement for individuals experiencing mild to moderate memory loss and their dedicated caregivers. Our programs are designed to break the barriers of isolation, fostering a sense of community and offering essential support to all participants.
Health, Legal + Safety Matters
Our ongoing wellness lectures cover matters that impact your health and important legal and safety matters.
Mind Matters
Prioritizing brain health is a fundamental aspect of healthy aging. Adopting a holistic approach that includes physical activity, mental stimulation, a nutritious diet, and social engagement can significantly contribute to maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being in aging adults.
60+ Fitness
Enhance your health! We understand the importance of physical and mental well-being as you age, and our experts are here to help you achieve it. From exercise classes to lectures on healthy lifestyles, the JCC is dedicated to supporting your best self.
Support The Wechsler Center
Sustaining Friends 365 is an initiative that ensures the continuation of the vital work of The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging. As a Sustaining Friend, you are closely connected to and passionate about the work of The Wechsler Center and the JCC, with a desire to share this community experience with others.
Click the image below to read our Fall 2024 program guide.
The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging is made possible through the generous support of Dana Wechsler Linden and Lawrence Linden.