In response to this need, the YMCA has developed several activities to encourage and motivate older adults to take action and get involved. YMCA programs for older adults strengthen the whole person.
Socializing and volunteering have been shown to have positive effects on the health of older adults, and exercise has proved to promote mental agility, in addition to longevity and good health.
With that in mind, the YMCA offers fitness programs for older adults such as water exercise, yoga and tai chi, group exercise classes and more. Make new friends at the YMCA as you join a book club or bridge club, or attend a luncheon.
For more information on Active Older Adult programs. contact Elizabeth Green, Active Older Adult Coordinator (elizabethg@ymcahouston.org), at 281. 517.3746. Schedule and dates are subject to change.
Monthly Pot Luck Luncheons
On the third Wednesday of every month, join us for some food, fun and fellowship. The YMCA will provide plates, utensils and drinks. Participants bring a covered dish to share. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the main entreé is provided by the YMCA. After each luncheon, an activity is planned. Following the Christmas luncheon, we have a holiday sing-a-long and Christmas gift exchange.Monthly Trips
Once a month the active older adult group goes on day trips to various places throughout the Houston area.Places they have been in the past include Moody Gardens, Hobby Center, Bayou Wildlife Park, various museums and festivals.
Transportation is provided by Harris County Precinct 4. Precinct 4 rules state “all individuals on the bus must be at least 50 years of age.” All trips are an additional cost and need to be prepaid at the Welcome Center Desk.
Social Opportunities
Are you interested in reading books, playing games or playing bridge?- The YMCA Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month and reviews a book chosen by the group. The local Harris County public library provides the books.
- The YMCA Bridge Club meets every other Tuesday afternoon.
- Game Day takes place every Monday afternoon for a variety of board games, card games and puzzles.
See the Welcome Center for more information on dates and times.
Specialty AOA Classes
- The YMCA will offer the AARP Safe Driving Course on Aug 27 & 28 from 9:00am-1:00pm. It is open to all ages and consists of an 8-hour course spread over 2 consecutive days.
- Beginning German classes will start in the fall.
- Computer classes are also offered in conjunction with the Barbara Bush Library.
- For various holidays, intergenerational craft classes are held.
- Bridge lessons and refresher classes are also offered and ladies may become a member of the Red Hat Society.
- Are you interested in learning how to play Pickleball? Classes will start forming in the fall.
- Additionally, look for our new “Posture and Pilates for Seniors” class.
- The YMCA’s annual Active Older Adult Open House will be held Sep 10.
- An association-wide Casino Day event will be held on Oct 9.
- The YMCA will also participate in the annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” event, an outreach community program ensuring that homebound senior citizens receive a holiday gift.
- There are numerous volunteer opportunities for those who wish to share their time and talents.
See the Welcome Center for information on dates, times and costs for all AOA specialty classes.
Seniorcize
Our most popular AOA class. An overall workout at a comfortable pace. In addition to cardiovascular conditioning and toning, special emphasis is placed on balance, joint range of motion and flexibility. Held in Gym 1, 2 & 3.| Days | Times |
| Mon/Wed/Fri | 10:00am-11:00am |
Senior Shape Up
This very popular class adds more muscle conditioning and core strength with handheld weights. Held in Gym 2 & 3.| Days | Times |
| Tue/Thu | 9:15am-10:00am |
Twinges in the Hinges
This gentle water exercise class focuses on joint mobility and range of motion. 15 minutes of water walking follows. Held in the Indoor Pool.| Days | Times |
| Mon/Wed/Fri | 11:00am-11:45am |
Twinges 2
This class introduces deep and shallow water exercise. The focus is to develop endurance and improve activities of daily living. Target groups are those over 60 and still independent. A fun, welcoming, water exercise class for all. Indoor Pool.| Days | Times |
| Tue/Thu | 11:30am-12:15pm |
SilverSneakers® 1
Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Held in Gym 2 & 3.| Days | Times |
| Tue/Thu | 10:15am-11:00am |
Zumba Gold
This Zumba class is designed for the Active Older Adult or the true beginner (deconditioned) participant. Includes gentle, low impact cardiovascular moves to inspiring Latin dance music. Zumba Chair workout/toning included. Held in Gym 2 & 3.| Days | Times |
| Wed | 9:15am-10:00am |
Senior “Yo-Chi”
Gentle yoga poses and beginner Tai Chi movement will help you enjoy these proven activities that have been around for centuries. Held in Room C upstairs.| Days | Times |
| Fri | 11:00am-11:40am |
NEW! Pickleball
The hottest Senior Game in town! What do you get when you combine badminton, tennis and ping-pong? Pickleball! The net court game is played on an indoor/gym short court with short wooden paddles and a plastic whiffle ball. It places emphasis on coordination, control, patience and strategy rather than speed and strength! For all fitness levels. This program will be introduced sometime in the fall for ages 55ish+ (You’re never too old to try a new game!).
