Nowadays, plenty of gyms, yoga centers and sports complexes offer senior-oriented activities and classes. Seniors, even those with heart disease or other health problems, should be exercising at least three times a week. So check out your local gym to find out if you can join a senior aquatics, yoga or stretching class, or call up a few of your friends to form your own "walking group." Other senior-friendly activities include swimming and biking. Make fitness more fun by recruiting a buddy or two; not only is exercise more fun this way, but you have the added protection of a companion in case anything happens.
Now that you probably have a bit of extra time on your hands, you might want to look into volunteering. Many volunteer organizations appreciate the experience, wisdom and knowledge that seniors have to offer. Organizations such as Senior Corps place senior volunteers in different volunteer opportunities within their communities. Volunteering not only gives you a chance to help others in need, it also provides a social outlet, not only with other seniors but with members of the community, younger folks and community leaders. Often times, you can use the skills you learned at your job and apply them to volunteer opportunities.
Your senior years are the perfect time to do what you've always wanted to do. If you're interested in birdwatching, contact your local Audubon society for information about local chapters. Book lovers can look for nearby book clubs for seniors, or put their own book clubs together. Join a local craft club, visit your local community center to find out about classes offered, join a hiking club, sign up for a bowling league, or start a cooking or gardening club. The opportunities are endless.
Whether you want to put your own travel group together or prefer to participate in a seniors-only tour, see what you've always wanted to see. Pack up the RV and visit national parks, or sign up for a seniors-only tour of western Europe. Packaged tours are a great way to meet other seniors and socialize, and offer activities especially designed for seniors. Websites such as New Young Travel provide listings of senior-friendly travel agencies. If you've always wanted to see the world but never had time, now's the time to do it. Most U.S. national and state parks offer discounts for seniors, and many European countries offer discounts on museums, transportation and other attractions. Being a senior can mean some serious discounts!
Let's face it: The world has become a more technological place. If your kids and grandkids live far away, consider signing up for a technology class to refine your computer and Internet skills. Learn to use Skype to communicate with far away family and friends, join Facebook or open an email account if you don't already have one. Nowadays, technology can help seniors stay in touch with their loved ones.