When do you become a senior citizen?

August 03, 2011 at 9:00 AM

There is no set age when a person becomes a senior citizen. The age requirements for federal and state programs and entitlements are established by legislative action.

You are eligible ...

at 60 for:

• Social Security benefits to surviving spouse.

• Railroad retirement benefits.

• Local programs funded under the Older Americans Act.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program at 62 for:

• Reduced transportation fare program.

• Senior citizen federally subsidized housing and congregate housing.

• 80 percent Social Security/railroad retirement.

Benefits for retirees 65 for:

• Full Social Security benefits (if income is less than $14,500.)

• Medicare/Medicaid coverage.

• Pharmaceutical assistance to the aged and disabled.

• Lifelong credit program.

• Hunting and fishing licenses at a reduced fee.

• Tuition-free or reduced fee courses at NJ public institutions of higher learning and some private institutions.

• Senior citizen property tax deduction if eligible at 70 for:

• Full Social Security benefits regardless of the amount of earned income.

At the senior center, you need only be 55 to join. Our annual fee is $24. Being a member, you will receive our monthly newsletter packed with health and wellness tips and exciting and fun things to do. Membership also gives you discounts on rentals, trips and programs.

We have the best place in town to meet your friends for 50-cent cups of coffee or ice cream and treats. We are open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

Upcoming events

Tuesday

• 8:30 a.m., SilverSneakers.

• 9 a.m., Exercise with Evie Anderson.

• 12:30 p.m., Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge.

• 4:30 p.m., SilverSneakers.

Wednesday

• 9 a.m., Defensive Driving.

• 9:30 a.m., Tai chi.

• 12:30 p.m., Pinochle, Cribbage tournament, Duplicate Bridge.

• 1 p.m., Stitching Bees.

• 1 p.m ., Open Chess.

• 5:30 p.m., Zumba.

Thursday

• 8:30 a.m., SilverSneakers.

• 9 a.m., Exercise with Evie Anderson.

• 12:30 p.m., Cards, Pinochle.

• 1 p.m., Bingo.

• 1 p.m., Open Chess.

• 4:30 p.m., SilverSneakers.

Friday

• 9:30 a.m., Tai chi.

• 12:30 p.m., Bridge Tournament.

Weekly card results

Monday Bridge for July 18, with two tables playing:

First — Mary Johnsen and Steve Howard; third — Betty Jorgenson; fourth — Fred Langrock.

Fifth — Joanne Maxfield

Tuesday Afternoon "500" for July 19, with three tables playing:

First — Linda Werner; second — Arlys Spurlin; third — Eddie Hall; fourth — Barb Dickman.

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge for July 19, with six tables playing:

First — Dave Solomonson and Millie Seiver; second — Bud Higgins and Jim Fisher; third — Ray Schmidt and Gail Schmidt; fourth — Joyce Crowe and Marge Blaser.

Friday Bridge tournament results for July 22, with three tables playing:

First — Dave Ring; second — Jim Fisher; third — Steve Howard; fourth — Joanne Maxfield; fifth — John Allen; sixth — Judy Bungum.

Pinochle

No results.

Friday Cribbage July 22 with three-quarters of a table playing

First — Dorothy Peterson

Weekly "500" tournament results for July 22, with four tables playing:

First — Wayne Chilson; second — Arlys Spurlin; third — Fran Bolstad; fourth — Eddie Hall.

Weekly Cribbage for July 20, with four tables playing:

Perfect score

First — Hilton Henschen; second — Barb Deckman; third — Dorothy Schloo; fourth — Jessie Swain; fourth — Pat Peter.

Semcac daily meals