With an estimated 26.2 percent of its population 65 or older, Palm Springs has a rate of elderly residents more than twice the national average. Palm Springs is a popular retirement area for seniors because of the warm weather and access to activities with older people in mind. Both older residents and visitors to Palm Springs can find plenty of things to do, from sports to other healthy activities.
Golf
Year-round warm weather has made Palm Springs a premier destination for golf. If you enjoying walking the course but have trouble negotiating regulation 18-hole courses on foot, you can opt to play short, par-3 courses like the nine-hole, 999-yard course at the Desert Crest Country Club.
Athletics
The annual Palm Desert International Sports Festival gives people 35 and older a chance to take part in Olympic-style competition in a variety of sports and activities. Men and women can take part in sports such as golf, tennis, track and field or pickleball and compete against other people in their age group. You can also form a team and compete in sports such as softball or volleyball.
Dancing
Whether you are an avid dancer or want to learn some new steps, there are plenty of dance programs available for seniors in the Palm Springs area. The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert has weekly dance classes in a range of styles including latin, ballet and tap. The Palm Springs Mizell Senior Center also offers classes in country line dancing for beginners and experts.
Seniors with Arthritis
Staying active is critical for people with arthritis in order to manage their health and the effects of the disease. The Arthritis Foundation of the Coachella Valley offers Life Improvement Series classes at locations throughout the area, including low-impact aquatic training and exercise programs with senior citizens in mind. The Mizell Senior Center also offers classes for people with arthritis along with exercise programs ranging from walking to tai chi.
Sports Leagues
If you are a softball player, you can join the Palm Springs Senior Softball Association, which runs leagues throughout the year for players 50 and older. Palm Springs has also hosted an annual senior softball tournament featuring men's and women's teams in age groups ranging from 50 to 80 and older.
Volunteerism
Being a volunteer in Palm Springs gives you the chance to learn about new things, share your knowledge with others and stay active. You can be a docent at a local museum like Palm Springs Air Museum and lead visitors through a collection of military aircraft from World War II. If your interests are more athletic, you can volunteer as a manager or umpire at the baseball or softball programs with the Palm Springs Youth League.
