The Council on Aging offices and the Harvard Senior Center are located at 16 Lancaster County Road. To participate in classes, events, or programs listed here—or to ask questions about any COA service—call 978-456-4120.
Chair yoga with Louise Dorian will be held Tuesdays, May 5 and May 19, 10:30 a.m. $5 per class.
Movie day at the senior center. “Sheepdog” will be shown Thursday, May 7, 1 p.m. Army veteran Calvin Cole manages his relationship with his father while under the care of an inexperienced trauma therapist.
Learn about Emerson Health Tuesday, May 12, 1 p.m., from Christine Kielar, director of corporator and community engagement. Hear about their role in the community, and get practical guidance on topics like how to find a doctor and when to choose urgent care versus emergency services.
Elderly health and active living. On Wednesday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m., Dr. Omar Qureshi of Premier Pain Management will discuss how physical activity and balanced nutrition can help manage the pain that often comes with age-related changes like joint degeneration and muscle loss.
Manage osteoporosis with strength training. On Tuesday, May 19, at 1 p.m., physical therapists from Rehab Health 360 will discuss how each movement in an exercise program helps your bones, posture, and overall well-being.
Free play at Boston Badminton. Enjoy an hour on the court Wednesday, May 20, 10 a.m. A racket and special skid-proof shoes will be provided if you don’t have your own. Space is limited to players only.
Elder law education. On Wednesday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m., attorney Erin McBee will provide information on how older adults can legally and financially protect their homes and assets.
Real estate roundtable. On Tuesday, May 26, at 1 p.m., real estate expert Mary Ann Prouty of Keller Williams Realty will answer questions about real estate and downsizing.
Tour Thoreau House in Concord Friday, May 29, 10 a.m., and hear a presentation about Thoreau’s life and the house and grounds. Afterward, enjoy lunch at West Village Tavern in West Concord. $5 donation for the tour; bring cash for lunch.
Movies for grown-ups. Starring Brendan Fraser, this 2025 comedy-drama tells of a struggling American actor who lands a gig with a Japanese agency to play stand-in roles for strangers. At the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, Monday, June 1, 1 p.m.
‘In the Whale,’ the award-winning film about a man who survived after being swallowed by a whale, will be shown Tuesday, June 16, at 1 p.m. Director and Pulitzer-prize winning reporter David Abel will discuss the film and take questions after.
Ice cream social. Come have an ice cream sundae on the patio and visit with friends Wednesday, June 24, at 2 p.m. Free for Harvard seniors and volunteers only.
Information on fiber, from Suzanne Reasenberg, dietitian at Emerson Hospital:
- Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
- Soluble fiber can help lower LDL (aka “bad”) cholesterol in your body.
- Fermentable fiber feeds the good microbes in the gut microbiome, which helps digestion and the immune system.
- Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and gives bulk to bowel movements, preventing constipation and reducing the risk of diverticulosis.
Congregate meals are served Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the senior center. Meals on wheels can also be arranged.
The Healthy Incentives Program provides extra money, up to $40 each month, for fruits and vegetables purchased on SNAP. Contact the COA outreach coordinators for details.
Elderly and disabled tax aid applications are now being accepted. Aid is based on need and varies from year to year. Applications are due to the town treasurer by Thursday, May 28. Call the COA or visit the town website www.harvard-ma.gov to learn more.
Weekly grocery shopping. The van to Market Basket in Littleton departs Fridays, 10 a.m.
Help with computers. Adam is available Tuesday and Friday mornings for one-on-one computer training or anything related to computers or technology. Call the COA (not Adam) for an appointment.
COA van guidelines. There is no fee for the use of the van. To schedule a ride, call the COA; 48 hours’ notice is requested. Wheelchair users, or anyone having a procedure or surgery that requires sedation or dilation of eyes, must be accompanied by a companion.
Note: Information is drawn from the COA’s monthly newsletter, which contains additional valuable information for Harvard’s older residents. Call the COA to receive the newsletter via email, or find it at the General Store, the library, Town Hall, Carlson Orchards, Westward Orchards, and the Harvard Senior Center.