Senior centers and services in Howard County

In the early years after Columbia was created in 1967, it sometimes was described as “the city without grandparents.” Now, though, the “pioneers” who first raised families there are eligible for Medicare, and by 2016, people 65 and older made up more than 13 percent of Howard County’s population.

From housing to health care to clubs, the county offers a wealth of programs and services for seniors.

HOUSING

From townhouses to single-family homes to condominiums, the county’s active adult communities — designated for residents 55 and older — feature a variety of design elements and maintenance options.

In addition to the sampling below, the county has a number of assisted-living facilities and retirement and life-care communities. Call 410-402-8217 for more information.

Heartlands Senior Living Village at Ellicott City: 410-461-9494

Longwood Elderly, Columbia: 410-997-5356

Lorien Harmony Hall, Columbia: 410-531-5300

The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, Ellicott City: 410-465-2005

Morningside Park, Jessup: 240-294-3305

Owen Brown Place, Columbia: 410-381-9544

Park View at Colonial Landing, Elkridge: 410-796-4399

Park View at Columbia, Columbia: 410-381-1118

Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501

Park View at Emerson, North Laurel: 301-483-3322

Park View at Snowden River, Columbia: 410-290-0384

Selborne House of Dorsey Hall, Ellicott City: 410-992-4909

Tiber Hudson, Ellicott City: 410-656-6253

Vantage House, Columbia: 866-323-1674

Waverly Gardens, Woodstock: 443-274-6825

SENIOR CENTERS

The county operates 12 senior centers, including five therapeutic sites for seniors with physical disabilities and early-stage memory loss, plus their caregivers. For details, visit howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters:

The Bain 50 Plus Center, Columbia: 410-313-7213

Connections at Ellicott City: 410-313-1425

Connections at Glenwood, Cooksville: 410-313-5442

Connections at North Laurel: 410-313-7218

East Columbia 50 Plus Center, East Columbia Library: 410-313-7680

Elkridge 50 Plus Center: 410-313-4930

Ellicott City 50 Plus Center: 410-313-1400

Glenwood 50 Plus Center, Cooksville: 410-313-5440

Kindred Spirits at Glenwood, Cooksville: 410-313-5441

Kindred Spirits at North Laurel: 410-313-7691

Longwood 50 Plus Center, Columbia: 410-313-7217

North Laurel 50 Plus Center: 410-313-0380

RECREATION

Opportunities abound for seniors to stay active in the community — whether they wish to partake in concerts, plays, athletic activities or trips around town.

Senior Pass Program: Free admission program for residents 65 and older to Howard County public school sports events and arts performances.

410-313-6682 (public information office), hcpss.org/parents/senior-pass-program

The Village in Howard: Member-based community for residents 55 and older.

443-367-9043, thevillageinhoward.org

When If Not Now (WINN): Columbia Association fitness.

410-730-6744, 410-531-0800,columbiaassociation.org/health-and-fitness

SENIOR SERVICES

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

howardcountymd.gov/aging, 410-313-6410

LifeSpan Network: Mid-Atlantic senior care provider association.

410-381-1176, lifespan-network.org

Beacon Institute: LifeSpan affiliate providing education for senior care and service providers.

410-381-1176, lifespan-network.org/beacon

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute by the Johns Hopkins University: Courses and lectures in Columbia for retired and semiretired individuals.

410-516-9719, advanced.jhu.edu

HT Ride: Provides curb-to-curb service for seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot use traditional bus service.

410-313-1921 or 800-270-9553, howardcountymd.gov

Maryland Access Point: Referral program for people with long-term care needs and their caregivers.

410-767-1100, 844-627-5465, md.getcare.com

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland: Meal and grocery delivery for homebound people.

410-558-0827, mealsonwheelsmd.org

Neighbor Ride: Provides affordable rides in private cars for seniors 60 and older.

410-884-7433, neighborride.org

Columbia Association Senior Shuttle: Provides small group curb-to-curb evening and weekend transportation shuttle to cultural events throughout Howard County for seniors.

410-715-3087, columbiaassociation.org/health-and-fitness/mature-adults

Senior Health Insurance Program: Helps Medicare recipients understand their health insurance benefits, bills, and rights.

410-313-7392, aging.maryland.gov

Winter Growth: Provides adult medical daycare and assisted living services and for seniors and disabled adults.

410-964-9616, wintergrowthinc.org