In line with its mission to help people live healthier lives, Optum Arizona officially opened its doors Oct. 31 to a new community center designed to be a neighborhood hub for people 55 and older in Mesa.

The new Mesa Optum Community Center, 6005 E. Southern Ave., joins four other centers located across the greater Phoenix area, along with one in Tucson. Each center welcomes local seniors to come together to improve their physical, social and overall well-being through informative educational seminars, engaging physical activity sessions and fulfilling social events.

Optum Community Centers, including the center in Mesa, are unique in offering a capability-adaptable fitness facility, classes and living room space, all 100 percent free of charge for anyone 55 and older, regardless of their connection to Optum.

Optum community center activities are led by local experts in their respective fields. Certified personal trainers teach Pilates, chair yoga, Zumba, tai chi; native speakers host foreign language classes; and, dietitians lead nutrition information workshop. Social opportunities include movie nights and a comfortable living room with tables for cards and other games. For a complete listing of activities, visit: optum.com/care/locations/arizona/optum-arizona/community-centers/east-mesa-events.html.

Additionally, wellness exams, such as annual check-ups, retinal imaging, bone density tests and neuropathy tests, are provided at the centers specifically for Optum members. To learn about how to become an Optum member, visit optumcare.com/az or call 866-358-8295.

Optum Community Centers are open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday with locations in East Mesa, Chandler, Goodyear, Phoenix, Deer Valley and Tucson.

In addition to community centers, Optum is a medical network with primary care doctors throughout the Valley and Tucson. The network includes a wide range of contracted primary care physicians and hospitals serving Medicare Advantage patients.