Your social calendar can get fuller as you age.
As people age, each passing year often means an acceleration in their social life. The kids have moved out, the grandchildren only visit occasionally and for those who have retired, work no longer takes up 40 hours of each week. Rather than sit at home and watch television or movies, seniors can partake of a wide variety of educational and entertaining activities and events that cater exclusively to people their age.
Continuing Education
Many public and university libraries offer free computer classes for seniors; these courses teach the fundamentals of computer and Internet operations, including email and web-surfing. Other courses focus on specific programs, such as word-processing software. Libraries may also provide free tax advice and preparation and financial planning, advice on living trusts, wills and legal seminars. Seniors can also enroll in free online or distance learning programs; some colleges offer free or reduced-cost continuing education programs for seniors. The events listing at a local public library may also feature speakers and topics for senior citizens.
Health Screenings
A number of community and local health centers offer free screening events for senior citizens. Common health screenings include blood pressure and cholesterol readings, hearing and vision tests and questionnaires designed to uncover signs of kidney and prostate conditions, among other concerns. Seniors may also receive dietary, fitness and lifestyle advice for dealing with conditions such as weight loss, insomnia, sexual activity and quitting smoking. Some of these events may provide prescription drug advice and medical treatments such as flu shots.
Sports and Games
Many sports organizations promote competitions structured by age. For example, senior citizens can compete in Olympic-style weightlifting and powerlifting, both of which recognize five-year age brackets in competition. Golf clubs and bowling leagues sponsor senior tournaments. A number of religious and social organizations also host games or gaming nights that cater to seniors; these may include traditional staples such as bingo as well as darts, billiards, domino and chess tournaments and card games.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
A number of businesses promote deals and events specifically for senior citizens. Restaurants and diners feature senior discounts, senior "two-for-one" entr e dinners and "Early Bird" specials for folks over 50. Many movie theaters offer reduced-price tickets for matinees senior discounts at other times. Local museums and arts and historical organizations may offer discounted memberships or have specialized programming tailored for senior interests. For individuals who no longer drive, public transit systems provide reduced- or no-cost transportation options. Seniors can check local newspaper and Internet listings or contact a nearby senior center for information and a schedule of deals and discounts. These centers may host their own schedule of events that can include dances, music and movie nights or chartered bus trips to local entertainment venues and resorts.
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