Kroc membership booms with older members

Reba Buchan spent two hours in the Riverwalk pool then grabbed lunch before dealing cards for Marble War with a table of ladies during Open Senior Time on a recent Wednesday at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene.

Line dancing was on her afternoon agenda, after a couple hours of games and visiting. Buchan didn’t have time for her usual game of pickleball, or to give lessons. She’s busy and can only get to the Kroc Center three or four times a week but always for Open Senior Time on Wednesdays.

“I have a yard and a house to keep up and I’m a widower,” said Buchan, 81, of Post Falls who often drives her grandson to school in Rathdrum.

Buchan and the other Kroc members ages 60-plus are the largest and fastest growing membership at the facility that opened in 2009 after the city won a capital and endowment grant from the Kroc Foundation.

Since 2012, senior membership has grown by 45 percent to 3,031 members, according to the center’s membership stats. The 50-59 age group is also increasing membership.

In an unexpected twist, even with higher overall membership – 16,748 as of April 21 – the numbers of people under 40 is decreasing, including the 18 and younger group.

The increase in senior membership follows the addition two years ago of Open Senior Time on Wednesdays and other activities such as field trips and a new knitting club. Kroc program manager Katie Schmeer was tasked with creating more senior programming, fun activities for people 60-plus and a way to create relationships.

“There are a lot of people living alone and they were lonely before this,” Schmeer said, adding that many seniors came for the pool and workout classes but wanted something more social. “I’ve had some of them cry and say before they didn’t have anybody. This is really beautiful.”

The Wednesday afternoons are so good that Schmeer’s father drives from Liberty Lake to play Phase 10 and enjoy his daughter’s success first hand.

Katie Kuntz of Hayden said she joined the Kroc to swim but before she started attending senior time she didn’t have meaningful contact with other people.

“The first time I came I was going through a whole lot of devastation,” she said, wiping away a tear. “These people just lifted me up. My dad died recently. I wouldn’t have had anybody (without them).”

The friendships extend outside the Kroc where some members go to movies, hikes or meet for dinner.

“This group is just so caring,” said Judy Droter, who volunteers to manage the Senior Open Time while staffer Peni Stephens is away caring for her parents. The group sends Stephens cards, letters and pictures. Just that day they all were signing a get-well card for another group member having surgery.

Schmeer said when she created senior time, she didn’t want it to interfere or compete with other Senior Centers in the area. That’s why it’s on Wednesday.

On those days, the Kroc Cafe offers a $3.50 lunch for seniors and the group meets from noon to 2 p.m. There are many tables with various activities, and always free coffee. Senior Time is free to members ($25 per month for silver memberships and $34 per month for gold memberships) or those who buy an $8 day pass. Scholarships are also available to help make the center affordable, Schmeer said.

Anna Flores was hesitant to join a group for “old people.” She had tried other senior centers and never felt comfortable.

“I just wasn’t ready for that,” she said, holding her cards for Marble Wars.

Yet the Kroc group is different, more open and active, she said.

At a different table, a group of men and women play Phase 10, a weekly ritual. Another table of women play six-card Golf and discuss retirement.

“I hate retirement,” said Terrie Harris. “It’s stupid, stupid, stupid.

Yet health issues forced the 64-year-old to retire and move to Idaho, closer to her son. She knew nobody until she joined the Kroc. Now she is known as the “game queen” because she brings a bag of games each week.

Another woman said she likes not having an alarm clock but misses the money of working.

Carol Wagner, who has been retired for 17 years, enjoys her freedom and stays busy.

“I love every minute of it,” Wagner said, putting on fresh lipstick before leaving for her next appointment.