Cities with active senior centers? (55, moving, communities, daycare)
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I retired just before COVID hit and basically postponed any retirement activities. Now that it's become safe to re-connect with the world (with vaccines, etc), I am eager to participate in a variety of activities beyond my church, suburban community, and the downtown amenities of a big-ish city. Ideally I would like to learn more about cities that have vibrant active senior center communities but not necessarily in an over-55 community setting. I have googled "senior centers" and have found some interesting senior centers in different states that have a variety of activities (cooking classes, games, trips, bingo, yoga, book club, etc) all month long. They sound so delightful and easy to access. I would even consider moving there to be able to enjoy the social connections, intellectual stimulation, and just plain fun. I would love to hear about your experiences and "finds" when it comes to discovering these gems. I realize I could piece together some activities via MeetUp, classes, etc here in Charlotte, but would like to know more about cities that have already created a one-stop senior activity center experience. Thank you in advance.
I retired just before COVID hit and basically postponed any retirement activities. Now that it's become safe to re-connect with the world (with vaccines, etc), I am eager to participate in a variety of activities beyond my church, suburban community, and the downtown amenities of a big-ish city. Ideally I would like to learn more about cities that have vibrant active senior center communities but not necessarily in an over-55 community setting. I have googled "senior centers" and have found some interesting senior centers in different states that have a variety of activities (cooking classes, games, trips, bingo, yoga, book club, etc) all month long. They sound so delightful and easy to access. I would even consider moving there to be able to enjoy the social connections, intellectual stimulation, and just plain fun. I would love to hear about your experiences and "finds" when it comes to discovering these gems. I realize I could piece together some activities via MeetUp, classes, etc here in Charlotte, but would like to know more about cities that have already created a one-stop senior activity center experience. Thank you in advance.
So you didn't find any senior centers in and around Charlotte? I am sure there are some nearby. Why not start by visiting the ones close to where you live. Some might even have a schedule of their activities online.
I don't think you will find a nationwide listing with Yelp-like ratings. Each Senior Center will be different. Will depend a lot on their budget, the neighborhood, and the ages of the people who go there.
..... I have googled "senior centers" and have found some interesting senior centers in different states that have a variety of activities (cooking classes, games, trips, bingo, yoga, book club, etc) all month long. They sound so delightful and easy to access......
You need to visit first. Many of these senior centers are anything but delightful. They are often depressing, senior daycare centers. How much time do you want to spend playing bingo and board games or waving your arms in the air as exercise?
There might be some good ones out there but most are not, especially those that are publicly funded. If you want something more, look for places with very active OLLI centers.
We had a great one in Indianapolis that had delivered meals, ballroom dancing, all kinds of activities. However, due to financial mismanagement, they closed. Always a possibility. Check out large retirement communities as they may also have many group activities.
You will find more in a large 55+. We have 8 Rec Centers, 8 golf courses, softball field, outdoor concerts, over 130 clubs, and every amenity you can think of. All for $496 a year ( golf is extra but inexpensive)If that isn't enough you could drive into Phoenix or Scottsdale or take a bus to one of the casinos. No school taxes!
We considered senior centers in different communities. For us the issue is it emphasizes the marginalization of retirees. Not in a specific way as in 'let's send the oldsters to the center to keep them busy, because they need to do something', but rather as a way to define us a a subset of the community.
Rather we chose a over 55 community where it's designed around us, it is always our time We live in the mega (150k) retirement center, The Villages, FL.
At 165.00/month with free golf it's reasonable. Homes do come at a premium. At one time I estimated homes are 30% more than comparable 55+ homes in the area. But I can swim in over 100 pools, over 600 rounds of golf, 6,000 clubs or I can do nothing but I don't need to travel anywhere to be around people my age.
The unspoken part it is what most retirees want, neat, beautiful, safe, good health care where you can age in place. Heck you can even live comfortably when your driving is limited to a golf cart.
Because Florida has so many seniors you will find lots of activities such as pickleball, dance lessons, softball and Senior Olympics that is offered by different counties there. I lived on SW coast for years, they aren't labeled "senior centers" but almost everyone is a senior.
Sarasota County offers lectures with internationally known speakers and there is a Friendship Center there but I'm not sure what their focus is on.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Originally Posted by Jkgourmet
Also look for cities that have Osher Lifelong Learning Institue programs. OLLI.
Attended an excellent OLLI in Fayetteville Arkansas last week!
Several communities I am familiar with have excellent community centers with senior activities included. Colorado used lottery funds to build some of these in the 1980's.
Indoor jogging, swimming, classes, lunches. (Senior wing of community center) Next door to library, city hall, and a senior living public housing apartment.
Have found similar senior centers in Oregon smaller cities.
Look in regions with US National Labs. They are in nice areas, and often have a very engaged senior community. (Lots of arts, intellect, and travel)
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