A few short years ago, it was just an empty room at the YMCA in Old Town. The walls were stark and the floor bare. Today this room, which serves as the Active Older Adults room, is bustling with seniors having a grand time. Laughter can be heard from down the hall.

“The Old Town Woman’s Club raised money through yard sales to fix up this room,” said Ardis Abbott, 85, club member and quilting class instructor for the Active Older Adult program.

She proudly points down at the pink-speckled, hunter green rug beneath her feet.

“I helped pick out this carpet,” she said. “And we also needed some sewing machines for quilting class, so we put the word out and got about 20 donated. Twelve were in very good condition.”

In addition, the room’s walls are now decorated with the work of local artists.

Ardis can be found at the Old Town-Orono YMCA every day for at least a couple of hours. Her day usually begins at 7 a.m. in the pool.

“Swimming is my favorite thing. If I didn’t come here, I’d be bored,” she said. “I’d quilt at home, but I love being with all the people.”

It all began about four years ago when Ardis and a few like-minded friends decided the seniors in the area needed a place to go. They approached the director, a committee was formed and a program for seniors created.

She still serves on the committee, which works to implement new and enjoyable activities for older adults.

Exercise, quilting and computer classes are offered along with bingo games and bus trips. Different speakers appear monthly to discuss topics important for senior health and living. Anything from Alzheimer’s disease to Medicare can be covered, said Ruby Ryder, senior coordinator for the YMCA.

“I am new on the job but would like to have extra exercise classes, craft classes and a reading group,” she added. “We are taking a trip to the Common Ground Fair on Sept. 20, and having a Women’s Health and Fitness Day on Sept. 25.”

The group has grown quickly over the years.

“When I started the exercise classes, there was only one participant,” said Coral Dubay, senior aide and exercise instructor. “Now we have 15 to 20, twice a week. I have really seen a difference in some of the people. They have become more outgoing and friendlier. It’s hard to be depressed around these women.”

Many in the group came to Active Older Adults on the advice of doctors or friends, she said. It is important for seniors to get out and socialize and not isolate.

“I love everything, but especially the quilting and exercise classes,” said Carolyn Willette, 70. “I was an old homebody and Bev Clark kept saying, ‘You’ve got to go to the Y,’ so I finally did. Everyone is so friendly.”

“Well, she needed to get out more,” said Beverly Clark, 71. “Since I have been coming, I have done just about everything here. And we have some of the nicest people. We are all very comfortable and relaxed with each other.”

Beverly, a retired public health nurse, admits she loves being around people and enjoys volunteering at the Old Town Museum. But if not for the Active Older Adult group she might be at home staring at the walls.

“I have always worked with people. I need people like I need ice cream,” she said. “And we should forever be grateful to Ardis. She worked very hard to get this room and we are very fortunate. She is the spark plug to so many things.”

Remember, too, that Meals for Me serves lunch in the Active Older Adult room on Fridays.

For more information on this senior program, call 827-6111. Annual memberships to the YMCA are available at a reduced rate to persons 55 and older. Seniors wishing to attend a class may purchase daily passes for a nominal fee.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA services or programs, call the Resource and Referral department at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.