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 positive effects on the health of older adults, and exercise promotes mental agility, 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.
Contact Elizabeth Green, Active Older Adult Coordinator (elizabethg@ymcahouston.org), at 281. 517.3746.
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. After each luncheon, an activity is planned. In the spring, we will have a BBQ cookout and an ice cream social.
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 and 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. Ladies may become a member of the Red Hat Society.
See the Welcome Center for more information on dates and times.
Specialty AOA Classes
- AARP Safe Driving Course - Jan 24-25. This is open to all ages. An eight-hour course spread over two consecutive days.
- Beginner conversational foreign language class(es) are offered throughout the year
- Computer classes are offered in conjunction with the Barbara Bush Library.
- For various holidays, intergenerational craft classes are held involving the YMCA’s older adult members and youth.
- Pickle ball - Classes will be forming in the spring.
- Annual Pet Parade and Senior Prom
- Bake Sale - benefits the Partners Campaign. Will be held on Feb 23.
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 |
Silver Sneakers® 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.
| Day | 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.
| Day | Times |
| Fri | 11:00am-11:40am |
NEW! Pickle Ball
The hottest Senior Game in town! What do you get when you combine badminton, tennis and ping-pong? Pickle ball! 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.
See the Welcome Center for class times. You’re never too old to try a new game!
