An insider’s view is presented of six senior centers serving culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations of senior citizens, in cities of different sizes and across different regions of the United States. Via vivid description and a first-person storytelling style, the authors describe each center’s physical layout, ambience or “vibe,” daily operations, clientele, support networks, and challenges. The following emergent commonalities across all six senior centers are discussed in detail: (1) accessibility, (2) active and welcoming, (3) extension of services, (4) resources, (5) variety and choice, and (6) wellness.

Drawing from a wide range of literature, most notably from aging studies and gerontology, this chapter begins with the historical background, nature, and functions of senior centers in the United States, followed by a focus on the characteristics of center clients and their level of involvement. Based on the literature, this chapter includes the benefits of using the centers and the challenges drawn from both the perspectives of center management and clients, followed by a discussion of various types of musical activities offered in senior centers, including instrumental, choral/singing, and music learning and creative activities. Activities offered solely for older adults and those that are intergenerational are highlighted. A range of musical activities that are aimed at older adults’ wellness is recognized. Given the scope of the existing literature, gaps and questions are raised, leading to the studies presented in the following chapters.