Let’s Play! Fun Activities and Things for Seniors to Do
Whether you’re a foodie, wayfarer, culture seeker, fitness enthusiast or nature lover, there’s no shortage of fun activities for senior citizens living in retirement communities and beyond.
Gone are the days spent playing bingo, watching old movies and eating bland meals in a stodgy dining room. These days, things for seniors to do include everything from clambakes and cocktail parties to water Zumba and tap dancing.
It’s easy for young-at-heart seniors to keep their calendars brimming with invigorating activities, social events, educational talks, games and tournaments, creative projects, community outings, and volunteer opportunities.
Here’s a rundown of some popular activities seniors enjoy — no matter what your age, interest or fitness level. They’re centered on trying something new, fueling a current interest, and helping you make the most out of each day.
Let Your Inner Artist Run Free
Sign up for a watercolor paint class, throw pottery like a pro, learn the secrets of flower arranging, or make your own floral art. If you’re not the creative type but still appreciate art, check out local art galleries, museums and festivals.
Expand Your Mind
Learning has no age limit and, as such, educational enrichment opportunities are boundless. Take a class, finish a degree, or discover a new passion at a local university or college — at little or no cost. Test your culinary skills with a cooking class, step into the past with a history class, or listen to a podcast series on seniors and technology. For a more laid-back experience, enjoy a challenging crossword puzzle or sit in a cozy library with a historical fiction novel.
Tempt Your Taste Buds
Foodies and imbibers looking to savor the culinary arts can enjoy experiences as varied as their palates. Sip some suds and take a tour of area breweries, saddle up to your community bar in search of the perfect Manhattan, or swirl and sniff at a wine tasting. Explore unique restaurants featuring delicious and creative dishes prepared by renowned chefs, or enjoy a cup of tea and a muffin at a mom-and-pop restaurant.
Get Your Groove On
Dancing is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. It’s a fun way to exercise, connect with others, and let your inner Fred Astaire cut loose. Belly, line and tap dancing are just a few activity ideas for seniors looking to show off their moves on the dance floor.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Pack a picnic, step outside for some fresh air, and get back to nature because there are endless fun things for seniors to do outdoors. Explore state and local parks, take a walking tour, meander hiking trails, wander area gardens and floral habitats, and take in breathtaking scenery.
Find Your Sweat Squad
Cardio, balance, strength and flexibility are the best types of exercises for seniors to boost your mind, maintain your independence, and reduce the risk of age-related ailments and diseases. Plus, they’re fun! Improve your strength and flexibility with yoga, tai chi, Pilates and sitercize. Hit the gym for personal training classes or to hop on a bike for a brisk spin, or hit the links for a round of golf.
Lend a Hand
One of the most rewarding things for seniors to do is to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteer opportunities are abundant on and off retirement community campuses. Sew quilts and distribute them to those in need, collect pledges and lace up for a walk to support breast cancer or Alzheimer’s awareness, volunteer in a local food bank or soup kitchen, or tutor students at a local elementary school.
Catch a Game
Spectator sports are one of the more popular things for senior citizens to do, and you don’t have to travel far to cheer on your favorite team. Sports lovers can don their favorite jersey and take their pick of watching football, baseball, hockey, soccer or basketball.
Hang Out with Four-Legged and Feathered Friends
Many senior living communities are Fido-friendly and even have their own dog parks. Belly rubs and ear scratches are free things to do for seniors that’ll also warm your heart. Other off-campus options can include wild bird or butterfly sanctuaries, wolf sanctuaries, and petting zoos.
Take a Dip
Join your fellow aquaholics at your community pool to practice your strokes, take a water aerobics class or join a game of water volleyball. An indoor heated pool means you can wear your swimsuit and goggles year-round.
Eat Your Veggies
Those with a green thumb can try at-home gardening — whether you plant your seeds in pots on your porch or balcony, or in outdoor raised beds. If growing isn’t your thing, sample fresh produce and pick your own fruit and veggies at a local farmers market or organic farm.
Hit the Road, Hit the Town
The choices are endless for travel-loving and culture-seeking seniors. Take a drive to nearby historic towns and cities; explore a wine trail; check out the latest museum exhibit; or spend an afternoon shopping at boutiques, galleries and antique shops.
At The Heritage of Green Hills senior living community, each day is filled with the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do. In fact, many of our residents discover there are more activities to enjoy than there are hours in the day!
To learn more about fun activities for older adults at The Heritage, take a look at our lifestyle page or call us at 484-268-2201. Or schedule a personal visit to our community to see firsthand all that The Heritage of Green Hills has to offer!
