Learn about many senior activities and resources in Santa Cruz that help seniors stay active, healthy, and social.
Staying active is important for seniors physically and mentally. In fact, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has found that engaging in meaningful activities can improve a person’s mood and cognitive function and is associated with living longer.
Luckily, there are many local senior activities in Santa Cruz, CA offered by clubs, parks, senior centers, and home care providers.
Senior Centers
There are several senior centers that offer senior activities and resources in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas.
London Nelson Community Center
The London Nelson Community Center (also known as the Downtown Senior Center) offers classes, trips, and services for seniors 55 and up and some older adult classes for people ages 45 and up.
Most of the classes are drop-in available and offer a suggested donation. There is a large variety of classes and different setups—some classes meet weekly while others are less frequent, and many classes are in-person, but they also offer virtual classes.
Some of these classes include:
- ping pong club
- chair exercise
- chair yoga
- gentle yoga
- walking groups
- bocce
- memoir writing
- line dance
- tai chi
- qi gong
- cardio drumming
- garden club
- rock art painting
- a support group for seniors
- book club
- board games
- computer classes
They also offer day trips, which could include trips to museums, live shows, or national parks at a discount. Additionally, they have services ranging from tax help to medical screenings.
There are also meals for seniors every weekday, but reservations are required.
Community Bridges
Community Bridges offers several services, including their Elderday adult day care program for seniors on weekdays. This program offers health care, exercise classes, art, woodworking, and music.
They also offer Meals on Wheels for seniors in Santa Cruz County and virtual classes.
Seniors Council
The Seniors Council is a nonprofit in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties that offers resources and programs for seniors, such as Project Scout tax assistance and companionship programs, such as the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program.
Museums
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History has events for seniors, such as workshops, lectures, volunteering, festivals, and dances.
Libraries
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries also have ongoing events and programs, such as book clubs, writing groups, technology classes/workshops, and a genealogy program.
Parks
Santa Cruz County Parks offer a range of recreational programs, volunteer programs, classes and trips specifically geared toward seniors.
Some of their programs include walking groups, a bridge club, tai chi classes, line dancing classes, and mindfulness classes.
Clubs, classes, or community events
There are many activities available through community centers, nonprofits, businesses, or other organizations.
You could take a class or join a club based on a hobby you are interested in, such as:
- cooking classes
- gardening
- book club
- volunteering
- knitting
- walking
- photography
- music
- poetry
- painting
- writing
- jewelry making
Some of these classes or clubs will be for all age groups or adults, but there are also many that are designated for seniors, such as Silver Dolphin Swim Club, which is a water exercise class for people age 55 and above.
You can also join groups based on your affiliation, such as religious affiliation, veteran status, or membership in the LGBTQ+ community (such as the events offered by the Diversity Center for seniors).
Explore the area
Santa Cruz is a vibrant area. You can explore the area without a structured group or program. Go with friends or family to galleries, theaters, museums, stores, or restaurants.
While these places are not specifically for seniors, many offer senior discounts, so be sure to ask.
Transportation
In addition to cars, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, there are also several different transportation services specifically for seniors in Santa Cruz.
These include:
- Lift Line is a door-to-door transportation service for seniors to get to senior centers, medical appointment, adult day programs, grocery stores, restaurants, financial institutions, parks, churches or support groups, and other qualifying places.
- Santa Cruz Metro offers a senior discount and paratransit (accessible door-to-door shared rides for people who cannot take other public transportation because of a disability).
- Home care providers offer transportation services.
Virtual connections
There are also virtual events, classes, or programs for seniors in Santa Cruz.
Well Connected has groups that join by phone or video chat. They offer classes, hobbies, art, music, games, and support.
Health
There are many different services and resources in Santa Cruz that are geared towards seniors’ health. You can find nutrition assistance and exercise classes, such as yoga, tai chi, water classes, or walking groups.
Mental health
There are also many resources for seniors’ mental health.
A part of Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Division is the Older Adult Mental Health Services Program. This programs provides mental health care and care coordination for seniors.
Another emotional and mental resource is support groups for illness, loss, or transitions.
Doctors and pharmacies
There are many doctors and pharmacies that seniors can utilize. Some (such as Dignity Health and Westside Pharmacy) also offer seminars, classes, or support groups on topics that may be relevant to some seniors, such as those on different health conditions—like Parkinson’s, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Home Care
Home care is a useful service for seniors that want to stay in their homes and be as independent as possible.
Pacific Angels Home Care offers helps with meal planning and preparation, transportation, light housekeeping, and laundry.
We also offer personal care to help seniors with their activities of daily living, such as eating, moving around, going to the bathroom, bathing, grooming, and dressing.
Another service is companionship care where caregivers can provide social connections and emotional support to seniors. They can talk with them, play games, watch shows, read together, or go places.
Our services are available as needed and tailored for the individual.
Give us a call today at (831) 708-2876 or reach us online to schedule an in-home consultation to learn more about our services for seniors in the Santa Cruz area.
