Senior activities

[Anonymous]

My parents are in their 70s, still mostly independent and need a social life outside of me and my family! They live in their own housing but are in desperate need of some sort of activities with other seniors in the area. Are there any places with activities for seniors that are not part of retirement or senior living communities? Alternately, can they pay to participate in senior living community activities without living there? I researched a bit but didn’t find much in the Silver Spring area. Any help would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Did they move to be closer to you?

[Anonymous]

Community centers often have activities and classes, even excursions to museums, etc. Some areas have senior centers with gyms for those over 55, and various activities.

I bet your parents are bragging to their friends about how they do so much with you and their friends are guilt tripping their adult children "Larla does x, y and z with her parents."

You have to keep setting boundaries otherwise they will indeed expect you to revolve your life around them. Also, don't be surprised if they shun the idea of being with old people, even if those are their peers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did they move to be closer to you?

They did move to be closer to me and my family, which is fine, but it was more than a decade ago and they haven’t even tried to make any friends and expect me to drop everything to be with them. It’s actually a really toxic situation but I’m trying to set boundaries and find them activities since they haven’t done it themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Community centers often have activities and classes, even excursions to museums, etc. Some areas have senior centers with gyms for those over 55, and various activities.

I bet your parents are bragging to their friends about how they do so much with you and their friends are guilt tripping their adult children "Larla does x, y and z with her parents."

You have to keep setting boundaries otherwise they will indeed expect you to revolve your life around them. Also, don't be surprised if they shun the idea of being with old people, even if those are their peers.

Thank you! It has been very difficult setting boundaries with them because they act like I forced them to move here, when in reality I wish they had stayed with their friend circle. They are fairly independent and would have been fine with some limitations and a little help. But they are up here now and I am trying so hard not to give in to the manipulation.

I’m not sure if they brag to their friends because it feels like all they do is complain about how little I do for them (reality check, I talk to them every day and run errands for them several times a week, and visit with my kids weekly). It’s just wearing on my self esteem but I also feel worse when I cut them off completely, so I’m just trying to find a balance.

Thanks so much for the suggestions and advice. I have to constantly remind myself that I’m a good daughter and their expectations are unrealistic.

[Anonymous]

What are they interested in?

[Anonymous]

Audubon society

[Anonymous]

Volunteer...maybe at your kids school?

[Anonymous]

Fairfax County has senior centers with classes, activities and field trips, maybe there's something similar near you? My mom moved in with us a few years ago and she's found friends and a social life there. She also picks a new class or two to take at the rec center every season and is looking into auditing a history class at George Mason in the fall. She also plays bridge and that seems to be a big social outlet also.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County has senior centers with classes, activities and field trips, maybe there's something similar near you? My mom moved in with us a few years ago and she's found friends and a social life there. She also picks a new class or two to take at the rec center every season and is looking into auditing a history class at George Mason in the fall. She also plays bridge and that seems to be a big social outlet also.

OP here. Your mom sounds amazing honestly! I wish my parents were this motivated in their retirement. I can barely get them to go to the mailroom by themselves, so I’m seriously impressed with your mom’s ambition!
Thanks for the suggestions. A bridge club would be nice, my dad does enjoy that. I will see what I can find.

[Anonymous]

My local library has small groups to join.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My local library has small groups to join.

Oh good idea!! I will look at the area libraries! Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

For your mom, Red Hats. If they have any interest in church, lots have senior groups, like men’s breakfast. Life Long Learning programs, like the one near GMU. Meetup groups—lots of special interest stuff there. Volunteer.org. You will have to research and spoon feed them this info. You won’t regret putting in the time to do this.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks so much everyone. I did find a couple of zoom classes through the library and my parents said they looked good, so that’s a start. I guess baby steps for now. If anyone has any additional suggestions, much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Look to see if there is a senior village for their area. This one is for downtown Silver Spring
https://www.silverspringvillage.org/

The senior villages have activities for both members and non members. And some supportive services for members which can also shift some of the burden off of you.