North Texas is centered by an urban area known as the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. Growing older does not have to mean sitting at home. It can involve staying active through exercise, social events and just getting out and meeting people. The north Texas area has many activities that help you enjoy being a senior.
North Texas Square and Round Dance Association
Dancing is a fun way to stay active, fit, and burns more calories than walking. The North Texas Square and Round Dance Association (Nortex) was established in 1961, and it currently comprises 35 square dance clubs, four round dance clubs and two clogging clubs. The clubs all have two major dances a year. The first takes place in June and the second in the fall. If you do not know how to do the dance steps it is OK; you will learn the basics while having fun.
Church Seniors Groups
Church seniors groups offer a safe place for fun and fellowship. The First Baptist Church of Denton has an adults 55+ ministry. The seniors participate in Bible studies, trips, exercise classes and an oil painting class. In addition, members enjoy potlucks and dining together. The First United Methodist Church of Dallas has a First Mentors Group for seniors. Here activities include retreats, mentoring children and special interest classes in subjects including medicine, law and finance. In the Arlington area find Woods Chapel Baptist Church. The seniors program here promises to keep you busy with Bible studies, day sightseeing trips, class fellowships, the Golden Notes Choir and much more.
Texas Senior Corps
Volunteering gives you a chance to stay physically active, meet others and showcase the knowledge and talent you've honed through the years. The Texas Senior Corps is a volunteer service helping you connect to a job that is right for you. All programs are for adults over age 55. The RSVP program will find you just the right opportunity where you can make a difference. Foster Grandparents affords you the opportunity to work with children that have special needs. Senior Companions allows you to help another senior who may be in need of friendship or who requires help carrying out day-to-day tasks.
Senior Service Centers
Senior Centers offer a wide variety of activities and classes and are a good resource for your county and city. The Senior Citizen Service of Greater Tarrant County offers classes that include exercise, balance, quilting, sewing and computer studies. The Dallas Recreation Centers offer courses including sewing and arts and crafts. In addition, they host many exercise classes that include low-impact aerobics, senior shape-it-up and strut, walking, senior weight lifting, general exercise, senior on the move and slimtastic.
The Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum offers special events aimed at seniors throughout the year. Spring is one of the best times to visit the park with so many flowers in bloom. All of the sights and smells make walking through this facility a fun event. In the spring a discount is offered by AT&T for seniors 65 and older. Spring Afternoon Tea is available in March and April.
References
- nortex.org: North Texas Square and Round Dance Associaton
- firstbaptistchurchdenton: First Baptist Church Denton: Adults 55 Plus Ministry
- firstchurchdallas.org: First United Methodist Church United. Senior Adult Minstry
- texasseniorcorps.org: Texas Senior Corps
- dallasparks.org: Dallas Parks: Leisure Link
