Regular exercise, activity and socialization are important at any age---and the golden years are no exception. If you're 55 or older and plan to live in Reno, Nevada, you can participate in senior activities at four centers: the Neil Road Recreation Center, Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, McKinley Arts and Culture Center, and Teglia's Paradise Park Activity Center. All are open to the public, regardless of age, according to Amber Martin, senior services supervisor for the city of Reno.
Activities
If you enjoy card games, arts and crafts, ceramics, yoga, games, group fitness classes or bridge, you can find them all in Reno. Martin says a popular activity choice with many seniors is "pickleball," where two to four players use wooden paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball back and forth over a net. If you'd like to share your talent and love for music, join the music program, led by a veteran musician.
Social Outings
"Brunch and a Movie," takes place the first Thursday of each month. Participants eat at a local restaurant and then watch a movie at a Reno theater. Join the "Reno Senior Travelers" on their periodic, day-long excursions to local places of interest as well as those in surrounding areas. Whether you're a dancer or not, you can attend the monthly afternoon dances hosted by the "Reno Senior Dance Club." The city of Reno transports individuals to social outings from the four facilities---or from senior complexes with five or more participants---but not from individual residences.
Lifelong Learning
Monthly speakers are brought in to talk about health and wellness issues. Learn about such topics as altering diet to manage hypertension and improving balance to avoid falls. If you're interested in tackling a new computer skill, take classes in word-processing, e-mailing, computer basics and printing. Workshops targeting employment and online job searches are also available, although a fee may be required.
Special Accommodations
If you have limited functions, there are still numerous activity choices. For example, "Sit and Get Fit" is a chair-exercise program designed for individuals with physical limitations. Martin says the senior yoga instructor provides alternate poses for those with special needs. Boccia is offered as an adaptive, indoor version of Baggo, a bean-toss game played by seniors.
Communication
The city of Reno's free monthly "Senior Connection Newsletter" is the best way for seniors to keep abreast of activities, according to Martin. The newsletter provides specific details on events, programs, classes and areas of interest for those 55 or older. Pick one up at any of the recreation centers or download a copy online at the city of Reno website---or call 775-356-3176 or 775-334-2262 to have a copy e-mailed or mailed to your home.
Cost
Prices vary for individual classes. You will pay a small "drop-in fee" for card groups or other programs that don't require advance reservations. Reno offers scholarships to senior residents depending on income level in order to waive costs for many of the city programs.
References
- Amber Martin; Senior Services Supervisor; Reno, Nevada
- City of Reno: Senior Programs, Senior Connection Newsletter
- USA Pickleball Association: This is Pickleball
