Leander H. Carter has advice for youngsters who want to live a long life.

"Obey your parents, and you'll live a long time," the 78-year-old Havelock retiree said Thursday during a senior citizens recognition day at the senior center on George Street in New Bern.

"I hope and pray they all do that and live to get up into the age I am," he said.

Carter also had advice for fellow seniors - don't sit around the house.

There's no excuse, he said, with senior centers in New Bern, Havelock, Harlowe and Vanceboro. He and his wife, Barbara, began visiting the senior center about 10 years ago.

"It's a lot better than sitting around the house with nothing to do," he said. He grew up in Harlowe and has lived around that area all his life.

"Most all of my friends are gone," he said. "I've got three classmates still living."

He retired 21 years ago from the state port in Morehead City. He said the senior center provides a chance to meet people.

"It's good for us to go out and mingle around together, and play cards, and just enjoy ourselves," he said. "The meals are free, but you can give a donation to help them out."

Thursday's activities were part of Older Americans Month, and it included food and drinks, cards, a variety of skill games, a hula dance contest and blood pressure screenings.

"We mix a little work with some work," said Wilda Finn, the center's director.

The hula dancing competition was won by Ruth Newland of New Bern. It was part of the Hawaiian theme, which included a non-alcoholic tiki bar. Ruth Fisher of New Bern was in authentic dress, with a hula skirt she bought some years ago during a trip to Hawaii.

Finn said the New Bern center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Along with recreational activities such as a library, card games and quilting, there are educational programs on nutrition and chronic disease.

"We have a pharmacist who is going to come in the near future and do training on what medications should not be taken together and foods you shouldn't eat when you take certain medications," Finn said. "The centers provide a place for seniors to go for at least part of their day so they aren't sitting home alone."

For information on the George Street Senior Center, call 638-1790.

Charlie Hall can be reached at (252) 635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.