About Lourie Center
The Lourie Center’s mission is to provide opportunities for adults over 50 to remain physically fit, socially engaged, intellectually stimulated and independent.
The Lourie Center started as the Capital Senior Advocacy Center, inspired by a group of Midlands residents who wanted to provide a focal point for senior activities in the Columbia area for the growing senior population. The Center was initially funded by Wachovia (then South Carolina National Bank) and monies from the State Legislature through the state BINGO tax.
Today, the Lourie Center is a not-for-profit recreation center for adults ages 50 and up with a vibrant and growing 850+ membership. We are centrally located in downtown Columbia and offer up-to-date physical fitness, cultural, and educational programs for seniors on a daily basis as well as plenty of free parking.
Our programs feature fitness, cultural, and educational opportunities for older adults. We maintain a fully equipped gym, circuit training equipment, a multitude of professionally-led fitness classes (for all skill levels) from Yoga to Tai Chi to Aerobics to Pilates and more.
Our cultural and educational classes include art, craft, language, and tour & travel opportunities offer something for just about everyone. Enjoy our many social events including Friday Night Dances twice a month, along with quarterly Signature Dance Concerts with live music. Many events are open to the public.
Wheels is a free community transportation program. Wheels transportation is now available in the Five Points and Northeast areas for the elderly and disabled.Learn more here.
In April of 2013 we were renamed the Lourie Center , in honor of late South Carolina State Senator Isadore Lourie.
Isadore Lourie is well known for his work as a champion of the elderly He contributed greatly to legislation and reform efforts for aging adults. During his career he sponsored legislation that established the State Commission on Aging, the Interagency Council on Aging, the Homestead Exemption, and the income exemption for the home bound elderly. He also established the South Carolina Permanent Improvement Program that built or renovated 72 Senior Centers in South Carolina.
