Colorado ranks number three on best state to retire by Bankrate.com. It was our beautiful weather and focus on health and community well-being that got us to the top of the list. We all know Coloradans are an active bunch, and age doesn’t change that for a second. If you’ve ever been passed on your way up Sanitas by someone twice your age…not that that’s happened, but if it HAD happened (cough)…you know what I’m talking about.
Here are some fun activities and destinations for seniors in Boulder.
Active Minds is a group that offers courses on contemporary global issues, historical themes, and other important matters. Many courses are offered at the West and East Boulder Senior Center. For example, right in time for Valentine’s Day, they’ll host an event on the interesting history of chocolate and the pivotal roles that Christopher Columbus and Hernando Cortez played in it. Learn more on their website.
Boulder Senior Center has practical resources for seniors, including financial tasks and bill paying, Medicare basics, and various support groups (women’s and men’s, for example). But they also offer a bunch of fun activities and events, such as a variety of day and even overnight trips; fitness activities including yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi; salsa dancing; a writer’s group; and book club. They also offer arts and crafts and educational seminars. Learn more about their programs. Lafayette, Louisville, Nederland, Longmont, and Lyons also have their own senior centers offering a variety of events and programs. Check out which one is closest to you.
YMCA of Boulder Valley (serving Boulder, Broomfield, and Weld County) offers a plethora of exercise programs for adults 50 and over, called the SilverSneakers Fitness Program. Some classes include yoga (to increase flexibility, balance, and range of motion), Splash (a workout in shallow-water addressing cardiovascular and endurance conditioning), and various cardio classes. Learn more about the programs and how to sign up.
Front Range Community College offers a discount to seniors for some of the courses in their non-credit continuing education courses. Some fun courses include creative writing, beginner guitar, silk scarf painting, and foreign language courses. There’s a Weekend Hike & Learn course that teaches how to identify plants, birds, and animal tracks while spending the day hiking in beautiful Colorado. There is also practical courses, including tips for traveling (how to save money), tax preparation, computer bootcamp, and a passport to retirement, planning for investments, healthcare costs, and estate planning. Learn more about these courses and more.
Boulder County Parks and Open Space sponsors a completely free nature hike especially for seniors on the last Thursday of each month. The hikes run from 10 a.m. until noon. Get out and enjoy nature while learning about the area’s history, wildlife, and current management projects. Each month you’ll explore a different location. Check out their calendar to find out where the next hike is and where to meet.
What are some other groups, activities, events, or spots that our active senior community should check out? We’d also love to hear about spots that offer great senior discounts, too!
