NCOA's information on senior centers and the National Institute of Senior Centers. Built for active older adults, retirees, and seniors at risk of isolation looking for community, classes, fitness, or volunteer work. Online classes (Senior Planet, GetSetUp, AARP) cover technology, fitness, and topics on demand — many are free. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. Open at no cost to Minnesota seniors and the families...
Educational adventures for adults 50+ in 150 countries — formerly Elderhostel. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Many senior centers offer transportation; ask about pickup zone and schedule when calling. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Promotes successful aging through lifelong learning, healthy living, and volunteer engagement. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Open at no cost to Minnesota seniors and the families...
OLLI — university-based learning communities for adults 50+ at 125+ campuses. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Fitness program included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Gym access and senior classes. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
UnitedHealthcare's senior fitness program, included in many Medicare plans. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Many senior centers offer transportation; ask about pickup zone and schedule when calling. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Promotes intergenerational programs that bring older and younger people together. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Online classes (Senior Planet, GetSetUp, AARP) cover technology, fitness, and topics on demand — many are free. Intergenerational programs (volunteering with kids, mentoring) consistently improve mood and cognition in older adults. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family...
Online courses and tools to help adults 50+ learn new skills. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). Most senior centers serve a
-5 suggested-donation lunch and treat the meal as a social anchor for the day. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
NSGA — biennial Senior Games for athletes 50+ in over 20 sports. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Adult day programs offer 4-8 hour days with activities, meals, and supervision — often Medicaid-covered for those who qualify. Intergenerational programs (volunteering with kids, mentoring) consistently improve mood and cognition in older adults. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family...
Promotes encore careers and social purpose work in the second half of life. A starting point for caregivers needing to get the senior out of the house for adult day care or peer connection. Online classes (Senior Planet, GetSetUp, AARP) cover technology, fitness, and topics on demand — many are free. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free, confidential, and available to any Minnesota resident who needs the information.
Senior-focused tech training and online community by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS). Built for active older adults, retirees, and seniors at risk of isolation looking for community, classes, fitness, or volunteer work. Online classes (Senior Planet, GetSetUp, AARP) cover technology, fitness, and topics on demand — many are free. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. Open at no cost to Minnesota...
Volunteer program that makes blankets for children — popular among senior crafters. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Find local volunteer opportunities — many tailored for older adults. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free, confidential, and available to any Minnesota resident who needs the...
Find Minnesota senior centers through the Eldercare Locator. Meals, activities, socialization. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to...
AARP's Minnesota state office. Programs, advocacy, and member benefits for adults 50+. Built for active older adults, retirees, and seniors at risk of isolation looking for community, classes, fitness, or volunteer work. Adult day programs offer 4-8 hour days with activities, meals, and supervision — often Medicaid-covered for those who qualify. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Volunteer opportunities for adults 55+ in Minnesota through AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. A starting point for caregivers needing to get the senior out of the house for adult day care or peer connection. Adult day programs offer 4-8 hour days with activities, meals, and supervision — often Medicaid-covered for those who qualify. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. All services free of charge to qualifying...