As it turns out, our area is loaded with activities and events specifically designed for active seniors. A lot of the activities I found are sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation. The parks dept. publishes a free quarterly catalog that is available at our community center ( 16th Ave. E. & E. Calhoun St.). The catalog is titled Lifelong Recreation: Arts, Fitness, Social Opportunities for People 50+. It is also on the park’s website: www.seattle.gov/parks/seniors/index.htm.
The catalog lists activities by region of the city. If you have retired parents or grandparents who live anywhere in Seattle, they can probably find things of interest where they live. Some of the classes offered at the Montlake Community Center specific to seniors include Gentle Yoga, Drop-In Bridge and Watercolor painting. Other classes that are open to all adults include music lessons (piano, drums, guitar, saxophone and flute), Pottery, Fitness/Aerobics, Pilates and Karate. At nearby Miller Community Center on Capitol Hill additional senior classes include Tai Chi, Mind on Motion ( a class for early state memory loss) and Pickleball. At the conservatory at Volunteer Park several art and photography classes are available.
In addition to the multi-session classes, the Parks Dept. hosts field trips. For Winter Quarter, these include (1) going to KING-TV to watch a taping of the show New Day Northwest, (2) tour of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, (3) Brunch at the Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls, (4) antiquing inSnohomish, (5) a trip to the Angel of the Winds casino. These all have nearby bus pick-ups at central Seattle community centers, Miller and Garfield.
For seniors who can easily get to other community centers around the city, the list of classes and events is huge. A sampling include: computer classes, conversational Spanish, wetland walks, dog-walking groups and zoo walking; AARP Driver Safety, water aerobics, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The winter catalog is 24 pages packed with activities that will make the bleak winter days a lot more fun.
Another source of services for senior citizens is Senior Services a non-profit agency supported by United Way. They offer transportation for people who need a ride to a medical appointment, shopping or just to visit a friend. The Hyde Shuttle offers van service for seniors using a wheel chair. The Volunteer Transportation program is available for seniors who can travel by regular car. To contact Senior Services for more information, call 206-448-5740 or visit their website: www.seniorservices.org. Senior Services sponsors a Meals on Wheels program and a Minor Home Repair program. Check out their website to see the scope of the help they offer.
If you are a caregiver for an aging relative, the new Aegis on Madison is hosting some free lectures in interest. A sampling of the topics include: making your environment safe; understanding senior living options and recognizing the signs of dementia. Log on to their website: madison@aegisliving.com for a complete list of lectures and dates and times.
Kendra's Fitness Cove says
You know… I’ve been trying to coax my parents into moving with me to Seattle. This might be just the edge I needed!