NILES — From brushing up on nutritional facts to learning how to protect their identity, Niles seniors can learn a host of tips and tricks from experts who will present at the inaugural Senior Academy.

The 16-week program will kick off Aug. 4 at the Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St. Classes take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. and include a free lunch from the Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan.

The academy was initiated by Caryn Adler, the library’s adult services team member, with the aim to engage seniors and their adult-aged children in classes that can provide information about social, emotional and physical health. Additionally, seniors can also learn about opportunities for signing up for college classes or fun community activities.

Those who wish to have access to a free meal are asked to call the library so that staff are aware of the number of meals needed. Community members are welcome to pick and choose to attend topics they find most relevant.

While a number of similar programs are available for seniors in Berrien County, Adler said she saw a need to create local programming so that it would be more accessible to Niles seniors.   

“I found many of those programs were in north county,” Adler said. “So, my goal is to bring programs to south county.”

With a senior high-rise just across the street and the Dial-A-Ride available to provide transportation to other area seniors, Adler said she thought the library would be an ideal location.

A number of experts will be brought on board to engage seniors and their adult-aged children in a number of topics, such as nutrition for seniors, elder law, personal safety and wellness. Those who attend will get information from people like Linda Stroll, the director from Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan. Stroll will talk about how nutrition is “more than a number a scale.” Interim Homecare experts will talk to seniors about sensory changes in later life and how to stay happy through the holidays, to name just a few. A full schedule is expected to be posted on the library’s website in the near future.

Adler wanted to invite seniors’ children to be part of the program so that they could learn some tips and tricks with their parents, as well as have the opportunity to start a conversation with their parents about what may be viewed as tougher subjects.

Adler has long had a passion for serving seniors. Prior to working for the Niles District Library, she served as a program coordinator at Brentwood at Niles – a senior living facility. She also has experience working in hospice.

With the senior population having increased by 33 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to data from the Administration for Community Living, Adler thought the time was particularly pertinent, she said. She added that she hopes the academy addresses a need for the growing population of seniors.

Adler encouraged local seniors to attend and find out what the Senior Academy has to offer.

“It’s going to be comprehensive. It’s going to be all across the board with lots of different topics for seniors,” Alder said.