Enjoyable, Inexpensive Activities for Senior Citizens

Get Out of that Rocking Chair

Annette Robbins
Seniors of the world unite, rebel and get out of that rocking chair! Don't let life rock you into doldrums or inactivity. Instead consider these activities to chase away the boredom or self pity to add spice to your life. All of the listed activities are enjoyable, easy to do and provide pleasure while keeping our fixed budgets intact. Enjoy the years on the other side of your work life and endeavor to find joy and happiness in each day. As seniors, we have the freedom of doing what we enjoy without the usual restraints of job and family. So, read on, grab a friend and enjoy yourself!

Attend a group luncheon. Plan to go to a nearby restaurant as a group and enjoy fun, fellowship and hopefully a pleasant dining experience. In many locales, lunch is less costly than dinner and many restaurants will offer special price reductions of particular days. The group lunch experience allows you to enjoy a time of friendship and camaraderie. Check out local city departments such as the fire, police or municipal departments that frequently sponsor special luncheons or dinners for special holiday occasions for the city senior citizens. In our city, a yearly Valentine's Day get together for senior citizens which is a fun event. The announcements are usually made in the newspaper or to senior centers, flyers or word of mouth. Be on the look out for such events and attend as a group.

Historic sites, museums, walking tours, etc. Often in our own neighborhoods, we have a wealth of history that we have not had time to explore because of previous commitments to work and family responsibilities. Historic homes and sites, walking tours to such venues are fun and can be quite informative. Many telephone books traditionally list a listing of historic sites in the front pages of the telephone book. A quick glance through these pages often gives a wealth of places to visit or tour.

Attend plays and concerts at local college theaters or community theaters Because you do not live near Broadway, you don't have to feel left out from seeing first rate theatrical productions. Check your local colleges or universities for upcoming plays, concerts or interesting lectures. These events often attract the seniors of the community by offering reduced admission for individuals or groups. Local playhouses offer another opportunity for socializing and enjoyment. Request your name to be placed on the mailing list or visit their website to receive information for upcoming events.

Adopt an organization and become involved in meeting a particular need of that organization Childcare centers, homeless shelters, youth groups and other groups would welcome assistance from outside groups. Senior citizens could find ways to donate items such as basic school supplies, food items to food banks, books to libraries tutoring, as well as other innumerable opportunities to help others and derive great satisfaction in giving.

Educational and informative seminars Many organizations will arrange to present seminars on a variety of topics at senior citizen center and senior residences. Local organizations, libraries, and hospitals will give information about health and wellness issues, financial information and safety concerns. Insurance companies often present information about changes in policies and programs, community agencies give information about new programs that will be of interest to senior citizens and health practitioners present seminars on specific health problems and diseases that may be of concern to senior citizens. Attendance at these seminars is an effective way to keep informed about senior citizen issues.

Join a Book Club Become involved in a book club discussion. This is a stimulating aware to keep aware of best sellers or just discuss a book that the group has decided to read. Local libraries and senior centers often have book clubs where you are welcome to join.

Take a course Local colleges and universities welcome senior students in their classes and many of these institutions offer special programs designed only for senior citizens. Tuition is less than usual and many varied courses are offered. In many cases, you take the course as a non degree student in a non stressful learning environment. Online courses as well as real time class attendance is an excellent way to continue learning and keep your mind sharp. To learn more, feel free to read my article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2563721/never_too_old_to_learn_summer_school.html?cat=12 or visit www.seniorsummerschool.com for information about learning opportunities for senior citizens.

So, take your pick of the listed activities or add your own. These activities do not drain your budget and they offer an excellent way to socialize and stay abreast of current happenings. The main objective is to get out of the rocking chair and live life fully. Enjoy the senior years of your life; stay involved. Your mind and body will love you for it!

Published by Annette Robbins

After working 20 fulfilling years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in an outpatient program, my husband and I retired, moved from New Jersey and relocated to Georgia. We have a 7 year old grandson...  View profile

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