Senior citizens can join clubs, connect with other local seniors at senior centers, volunteer to help others or join a group and take an organized trip in Minnesota. While there are numerous centers that connect seniors with their local communities, there are also plenty of activities for seniors who want to explore the world now that they have the time.
Senior Centers
There are senior and community centers throughout Minnesota that have activities connecting you to others for enjoyment and sharing. The West 7th Community Center in St. Paul, for example, has programs that included Free Pet Wellness checks, Meals on Wheels, help with Fall Yard Clean-up, weekly dances, card games and exercise programs. Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis, serves its diverse local community and has a senior center that offers fitness and dance classes, grocery shopping assistance, social and political engagement and field trips, among other activities and services.
Trips
Trips are organized all the time by senior centers or organizations that cater to seniors. Taking a trip is an exciting way to broaden your horizons and to meet new people, or make a new friend. A motor coach trip sponsored by the Pope County Seniors, for example, was planned to see the Minnesota Twins play the Cleveland Indians in September 2010, with a departure from three separate locations for $63. The Gillespie Community Center offered an $8 bus trip in August 2010 to the Canterbury Downs for live horse racing and a $30 trip to the nearby Science Museum for the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Minnesota
Seniors keen on giving back to their community will find an easy way to plug their talents into the needs of the moment through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program's Minnesota branch. Volunteers help prepare income tax forms for elderly, mentor a child, even help build homes for needy. Benefits of joining include transport reimbursement, training and recognition, accident and liability insurance while volunteering and sometimes meals on site. The program is open to those 55 and older in good general health with dependable transportation and an ability to work with diverse groups and individuals.
Clubs
Clubs organized around activities are a popular and easy way to share an interest or learn a new one. There are many different clubs in Minnesota and seniors can join those that seem like a good fit. Senior Tennis Players Club of Minnesota in Hopkins, for example, has been bringing together those 50 and older who love to play tennis since 1982. The city of Chanhassen organizes a variety of Senior Clubs, including a book club, bridge club, card club, men's and women's club and a chorus, called the CHAN-o-laires.
Benefits of Staying Active
Active seniors are generally able to remain healthier longer, according to the National Institute on Aging. Staying active can help maintain and increase your strength, help you stay independent, increase your energy, help prevent or delay some diseases -- including heart disease, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis -- and keep your mood upbeat, preventing depression.
