There’s something special about the Sayre Senior Citizens Center — a place where stories are swapped over coffee, where birthdays are remembered without needing Facebook reminders, and where laughter still echoes down the hall even on the quiet days. For decades, it’s been the heartbeat of Beckham County’s older generation — and now, it’s getting a little extra love.
This Saturday, October 25, volunteers from across Sayre will gather for a Community Work Day to refresh and update some of the fun spaces around the Center. The goal is simple: make the Senior Center even more inviting — a place where friendship, fitness, and laughter come together.
Just a few days later, on Tuesday, October 28, the Center will host two special events: - From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Beckham County Health Department will provide flu shots for seniors, caregivers, and community members. And by the way, it’s Pizza Day — so if you plan on joining or sharing a meal with the group that day, please RSVP by 9 a.m. so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
- That evening, the Center will hold an Open House to show the community the new improvements and share updates on current programs and activities.
A SHARED MISSION ACROSS WESTERN OKLAHOMA That spirit of connection doesn’t stop at Sayre’s city limits. Across western Oklahoma, the same message is spreading — aging gracefully means aging together.
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Healthy Aging Summit will bring that idea to life at 101 S. Oklahoma Avenue in Mangum, running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, District 5, the event will unite healthcare providers, service agencies, and community leaders from across the region — including Beckham County — to share ideas and strategies for keeping older adults safe, strong, and socially connected.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of unintentional injury among Oklahoma’s seniors, with hospitalization rates climbing in many rural areas. The summit will highlight practical prevention methods, mental wellness strategies, and evidence-based programs — but its heart is about people helping people.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS For Beckham County residents, that message is already being lived out every day at the Sayre Senior Center. Whether it’s a friendly meal, a game of cards, or a volunteer lending a hand, the Center continues to prove that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
If you’d like to join this weekend’s work day or learn more about upcoming activities, stop by the Sayre Senior Citizens Center or call (580) 928-3175 for details. To learn more about attending or volunteering at the Healthy Aging Summit, contact Melissa Simms at (580) 480-5993.
Because aging isn’t something that happens to “other people.” It’s happening to all of us — quietly, every day. And in Beckham County, that means showing up for one another, lending a hand, and finding strength in community.
So bring your gloves on Saturday, your curiosity on Tuesday, and your heart every day in between. Together, we’re proving that growing older in western Oklahoma doesn’t mean growing apart — it means growing closer.
