Frequently Asked Questions

We are responsible for providing programs, services, information and referrals to residents aged 60+, their caregivers and family members. Modern day senior centers, like your Hingham Center for Active Living, are breaking the mold on “aging”. Our members are vibrant, energetic, active and passionate. We are a unique Town department. Our members come in for a morning yoga or barre class and stay with us all day; taking classes, enjoying lunch in company of others and expanding their social circle. While we take our jobs very seriously, we are the fun place to be. Our team goes the extra mile to help you feel included and appreciated. Once you join us, you’ll wish you had come in much sooner!

30% of Hingham’s current population is aged 60+. This will grow to 40% by 2035.

The HCAL is a welcoming and fun place where our members can access fitness, health and wellness programs, take educational classes, find volunteer opportunities, attend social events, create new friendships, go out for lunches, and take local or day trips. The HCAL runs an average of 60 programs each month tailored to the varying interests and abilities of our vibrant members.

Joining is free. Some of our programs have registration fees.

No. However, we give priority registration to Hingham residents. 

We don’t have an age restriction. We give priority registration to Hingham residents aged 60+. We encourage older adult residents to attend many of our programs and access services. The earlier you take control of how you want to age, the greater the benefits will be for you, your family and your community. We offer educational seminars and caregiver support for adults. We also have many members who are early retirees that enjoy coming to the center to socialize with others.

We provide free door to door transportation for medical appointments in Hingham and abutting towns. Transportation requests can be made for appointments between the hours of 8:00am and 2:00pm, Mondays through Thursdays. All requests must go through our Transportation Coordinator and you must be a registered member of the HCAL.   Members may be required to meet with Outreach or Center Director to be eligible for services. Transportation is provided on a first come first serve basis. Please refer to the monthly newsletter for more information.

We operate two shuttle vans to take members to various destinations around town. We take members to the grocery store, post office, library, beauty and barber salons, banks, shopping and so much more. We provide rides to the center and special local day trips around the south shore. Do you want to visit a friend who also lives in Hingham, but neither of you drive? Call us! Do you want to go to a daytime movie or to a restaurant, but don’t drive? Call us! Our vans are staffed by volunteers who are ready to help you get where you need to go. All ride requests are by reservation and based on driver and van availability. Rides are free to our members and funded through the municipal budget and a grant through the Community Transit Grant Program from MassDOT.

Call us at (781) 741- 1458 for a membership application. We can help you download it from our website, help you in person at the center or mail you an application. We need to have your basic contact information and an emergency contact before you can attend programs. Registering for programs is as easy as calling us. For programs with registration fees, we can take a credit card or debit card over the phone. You can also register for many of our programs by creating an account on myactivecenter.com

Our Outreach Coordinator specializes in helping seniors and their loved ones navigate elder care services. Information may be available for services including (but not limited to):

• Home Care and Personal Care Services
• Transportation Options
• Health Information Services
• Subsidized Assistance Programs such as Fuel Assistance and Nutritional Assistance
• Housing Options
• Local Resources (Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, HinghamLink Volunteers)
• Tax Work Off and Abatement Programs