Fun Classes for Seniors: What to Look For and Where to Find Them

Make the Most of Your Senior Years by Finding Fun Classes

You’ve worked your whole life. 

Now, you’re finally spending less time at the office or in the field and more time doing the things you love. 

At least you keep telling yourself that’s what retirement is about. 

Now, knowing how to spend all your free time is harder than you thought and some days you’re left wondering, “What could I be doing with all this time?” 

At Senior Services of America, we understand just how important it is to keep your brain active and to keep living a life you love. This is why we’ve created this guide on fun classes for seniors and how they might benefit you (or your loved one). 

Keep reading to learn more.

How Can Seniors Benefit From Participating in Fun Classes?

You’ve heard your entire life the importance of staying active — and although you may be thinking physically active, seniors and young bucks alike can benefit from actively learning. 

Fun classes for seniors have provided a host of benefits, including: 

• Maintaining physical and emotional well-being

• Creating and continuing social connections

• Improving cognitive function 

• And more

Socialization

Fun classes for seniors are generally done in organized groups. These classes provide seniors with the opportunities to create connections and strengthen previous bonds and relationships. 

This is especially important for seniors who do not have family members or a spouse to share their time with as they age.

Healthy Aging

Getting involved in fun classes for seniors is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, as well as reduced rates of chronic health conditions like: 

• Stroke

• Emphysema

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• And more

5 Types of Fun Classes for Seniors

#1: Physical Fitness Classes

No matter your age, maintaining a level of physical fitness can help keep you mentally and physically healthy. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens should get at least two days of muscle-strengthening exercise a week, as well as at least two and a half hours of aerobic activity per week. 

And the physical fitness class doesn’t have to be a high-impact class. Seniors can take … 

• Yoga — even chair yoga

• Water aerobics

• Dance; or

• Strength training  

… classes to not only maintain their physical health but remain involved in their community and have a sense of belonging. 

If you’re (or your loved one is) interested in a specific type of activity in your area, reach out to senior communities or do a quick search online for senior-specific classes. 

If you (or your loved one) aren’t into large fitness classes, classes hosted by a senior-living facility in your area may be more their speed. Many senior living communities, like those at Senior Services of America, offer fitness classes to those living in their communities.

#2: Lifelong Learning Classes

Henry Ford once said:  

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

And we couldn’t agree more. You’re NEVER too old to get a degree, learn a new skill, or refresh your memory about a topic. 

No matter how old — or young — we are, there’s always room to learn more. 

Whether you or your loved one want to explore new subjects or you’re wanting to dive into subjects you’ve always loved, your age shouldn’t be what’s stopping you.

Lifelong learning classes are generally offered to the 50+ community by local colleges or trade schools. 

These classes can benefit seniors in a variety of ways, by: 

• Strengthening memory and recall skills

• Bring a sense of community 

• Enhancing self-esteem

• Improved brain health

• Increased lifespan

Seniors may find interest in lifelong learning classes, like: 

• A new language 

• History 

• Health and Wellness 

• Finance 

• Psychology 

• Etc.

#3: Art Classes

Whether you, or your loved one, are experienced artists, or you’re just looking for a fun class for seniors — art classes are an amazing way to keep your creative juices flowing. 

Drawing, sketching, sculpting, and painting, are just a few ways seniors can explore their artistic abilities. Participating in art classes may help seniors: 

• Improve their motor skills —hand-eye coordination, hand strength, and sight stability are all things that activities like painting and drawing can assist with. 

• Strengthen mental health — for some seniors, art classes may act as a form of therapy, which can give them a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Seniors dealing with cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, may find that they can stay engaged in art classes and feel a sense of pleasure during the activity.

#4: Cooking Classes

You already know that sometimes, the taste of home can make all the difference in your mood, behaviors, and feelings. 

The same goes as we age. Doing the things we’ve always loved, like cooking, which brings all your senses back to life, may be just what we need to feel like “ourselves” mentally and physically. 

Whether you (or your loved one) are looking to learn specific techniques in the kitchen, or are looking for heart-healthy meals to cook for your spouse — or bake a cake with a group of like-minded seniors — cooking classes are never a bad idea when searching for fun classes for seniors.

#5: Technology Classes

Technology is constantly advancing, and it can feel overwhelming and a little bit discouraging to use without help. 

Luckily, there are a multitude of free computer and other tech classes for senior citizens. These classes teach the basics, from … 

• Typing

• Social media 

• Computer programs — Excel, Word, Pages, Skype, etc.

• And smartphone tips and tricks

… and provide seniors with a way to interact with other seniors, stay up-to-date on the latest technology, and maybe even teach their grandchildren a thing or two.

Where Are the Best Places to Access Fun Classes for Seniors?

Online

Although self-guided online classes don’t provide the same level of engagement from “class-goers” as live classes might, they can still provide seniors with entertainment and a feeling of fulfillment. 

Fun online classes for seniors can involve anything from … 

• Online pet training courses

• Communication courses

• Language courses

• Music courses

• Photography courses

… to something as simple as a fitness class. 

Seniors who may not have access to transportation, or would prefer to learn in the comforts of their own homes, can benefit from online courses.

Senior Citizen Centers

If you, or your loved one, are looking for fun classes for seniors in your community, be sure to check with any senior citizen centers in the area. Most areas have senior centers that cater to retired individuals looking to gather with others. 

Senior citizen centers provide elderly community members with a safe place to socialize, help maintain their physical and mental condition, and maintain a positive quality of life. 

These centers generally offer a host of fun classes for seniors, as well as other activities, and may even provide transportation to and from classes and activities. 

Community Colleges

Seniors who are interested in learning a new skill or trade, or enhancing (and refreshing) their knowledge about topics may find that the most fun classes for seniors are at their local community colleges. 

If space permits, many community colleges offer reduced cost — if not completely free — classes to seniors over 50 to 60 years of age.

Senior Living Communities

Worried you (or your loved one) will not be able to continue to live a fulfilling life when they enter a senior living community? 

Think again. 

Aside from offering assistance with daily activities, senior living communities offer a wide array of activities and fun classes for seniors — and these already cater to the needs of seniors.

Senior Services of America: Where Fun Activities and Classes Are a Top Priority for Residents

No matter how old — or young — we are, or where we reside, life shouldn’t stop. Neither should our ability to learn new things.  

At Senior Services of America, we understand that each of our community residents deserves the best: a life of fulfillment. 

If you, or your loved one, are looking for a community that puts the needs of residents first, look no further than one of our senior communities. 

Fun, fulfillment, dignified living, and safety, are our top priorities for each of our residents. 

Find you nearest Senior Services of America community today to see what we have to offer.