6 Great Senior Activities to Do in the SF Bay Area

The Bay Area is full of fun activities for all ages, but here at Seniorly, we care most about our beloved seniors. So we’ve put together a list of things to do in the Bay Area that are specifically for our elderly friends. If you or a loved one lives in assisted living in San Francisco, here are a few activities to keep active and engaged. 

Activities for Seniors in the Bay Area:

• On the Level SF
• Tai Chi Classes
• Dance Classes at the Peninsula Ballet Theater
• Art Classes at the Palo Alto Art Center
• Cooking Classes
• BayAreaOlderAdults.org

On the Level SF

On the Level SF specializes in guided tours for everyone that feature no hills or steps, are one mile or less, and include places to rest. These and other accommodations for those who want to enjoy a walking tour of the city, but need a little extra help, make this a perfect activity for seniors. When spring approaches, consider their Rooftop Gardens Walking tour in downtown San Francisco and find some hidden rooftop treasures.

Tai Chi Classes

There is ever growing support for the health benefits of tai chi, particularly for older senior adults. This is because it is a gentle exercise that can improve strength, flexibility, and balance. When combined with standard treatment, tai chi can have beneficial effects on  arthritis, low bone density, heart disease, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and even sleep problems. It's also a fun group activity.  Watch this video of a “tai chi grandma” for inspiration. There are many places to practice tai chi for older adults in the Bay Area including many senior centers and YMCA facilities.

Dance Classes at the Peninsula Ballet Theater

Ballet, jazz, tango, flamingo, tap, hip hop, and more! The Peninsula Ballet Theater offers a range of dance styles, so you can try something new, or return to a beloved art form for fun and exercise. Dance is a whole-body workout that can improve flexibility and balance. Plus, you get to groove to the beat of the music with your friends. Seniors can find the experience level and class-pace that works for them at this local dance theater.

Art Classes at the Palo Alto Art Center

Art classes here come in just about every medium you can imagine. This is a senior activity that might really tap into the wisdom and experience of age. They offer so many wonderful activities for seniors, like afternoon and evening drop-in programs for drawing, collage, jewelry making, and ceramics, please check their website for the most up to date pricing. If you're a Palo Alto resident, you will enjoy a discount.

Cooking Classes

Go on your own or grab a friend—just be sure to send us some of your best dishes! There are a number of options for hands-on cooking classes in the Bay Area. Chef Joe’s Culinary Salon is just one example where you can brush up your knife skills or perfect your breakfast repertoire. 

BayAreaOlderAdults.org

Okay, this isn’t technically an activity, but Bay Area Older Adults is a great resource to find fun things for seniors to do, particularly for those looking for group events. Bay Area Older Adults (BAO) is a non-profit organization that provides information on a variety of activities—indoors, outdoors, volunteer activities and more—with a focus on adults aged 50 and older. You can use the website as a resource or become a member (for free) for other benefits, including member events. Examples of upcoming group events include bird-watching at Vasona Lake, lawn bowling in San Jose, lectures on topics ranging from the potential of genetic testing to planetary research and exploration, and travel adventures in the U.S. and abroad.