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subcommittee to determine the best way to use the information to meet their specific recommendations. Recreation and Entertainment The Recreation and Entertainment Subcommittee comprises of County and City staff, professionals in the recreational field, senior residents, community partners and non - profit and for - profit organizations. The purpose of the Recreation and Entertainment Subcommittee is to develop partnerships, seek funding and identify the needs of facilities and programs to increase the quality of life for older adults. Recreation activities provide socialization opportunities and keep seniors active in the community. Positive and enjoyable recreation experiences can decrease stress, anxiety, loneliness and isolation. Common outcomes of success for older adults that participate in recreational activities include increased fun, reduced incidences of depression, and can lead to fewer doctor visits, less medications, decreased pain, increased energy, increased positivity, better sleep patterns, reduced medical costs, increased socialization and increased incidents of having something to which they can look forward. Local senior centers, parks and community events are among the few facilities and programs designed to provide services to meet recreational activity needs for older adults. The subcommittee identified challenges that affect the ability to create successful recreational and entertainment opportunities in Cabarrus County. These include the participants willingness to spend money on leisure pursuits, cultural and language diversity in the community, seniors who don't feel old or believe senior centers facilities and programs are for older adults who are more elderly, limited programs offered on evenings and weekends that can result in fewer and less frequent opportunities to serve working seniors, and limited access of transportation to events and activities. The Recreation and Entertainment Subcommittee used the trends and challenges to develop four recommendations to raise awareness and provide adequate access to programs and services offered. The recommendations identify resources, develop partnerships, expand programs to increase social interactions, expand communication and seek additional funding resources. #1 — Identify resources Conduct a needs assessment to see what the older adults of Cabarrus County need and create measurement tools and satisfaction surveys for senior programs and facilities. To ensure efficiency of current programs and use of facility space, identify programs that are currently running within each of those facilities, indicate on a map where the facilities are located, and identify any gaps that may exist. Second, develop an ongoing action plan to encourage development of programs, services or facilities in areas of need. Conduct community forums about what is needed in all recreational entertainment atmospheres for 3.17.14 DRAFT Cabarrus County Aging Strategic Plan 11 1 -2 Page 88