Best Senior Centers & Social in Tennessee — 16 resources

16 Resources

1. National Council on Aging - Centers — Free

NCOA's information on senior centers and the National Institute of Senior Centers. 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. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. No cost to older adults or the people...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

2. Road Scholar — Free

Educational adventures for adults 50+ in 150 countries — formerly Elderhostel. 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 Tennessee seniors and the families...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

3. OASIS Institute — Free

Promotes successful aging through lifelong learning, healthy living, and volunteer engagement. 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. Intergenerational programs (volunteering with kids, mentoring) consistently improve mood and cognition in older adults. Free of charge — no...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

4. Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes — Free

OLLI — university-based learning communities for adults 50+ at 125+ campuses. 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. 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.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

5. SilverSneakers — Free

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. 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. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

6. Renew Active — Free

UnitedHealthcare's senior fitness program, included in many Medicare plans. 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. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. Free service; donations support but never gate access.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. Generations United — Free

Promotes intergenerational programs that bring older and younger people together. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. 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. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. AARP Skills Builder — Free

Online courses and tools to help adults 50+ learn new skills. 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. 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.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. National Senior Games Association — Free

NSGA — biennial Senior Games for athletes 50+ in over 20 sports. 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). Most senior centers serve a -5 suggested-donation lunch and treat the meal as a social anchor for the day. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Encore.org / CoGenerate — Free

Promotes encore careers and social purpose work in the second half of life. 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. 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 Tennessee seniors and the...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Senior Planet — Free

Senior-focused tech training and online community by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS). Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. 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. No cost to older adults or the people helping...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Project Linus — Free

Volunteer program that makes blankets for children — popular among senior crafters. 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. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Volunteer Match — Free

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. 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...

Nationwide · Online

14. Tennessee Senior Centers — Free

Find Tennessee senior centers through the Eldercare Locator. Meals, activities, socialization. A starting point for caregivers needing to get the senior out of the house for adult day care or peer connection. 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. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and...

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

15. AARP Tennessee — Free

AARP's Tennessee state office. Programs, advocacy, and member benefits for adults 50+. 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. Most senior centers serve a -5 suggested-donation lunch and treat the meal as a social anchor for the day. Free, confidential, and available to any Tennessee resident who needs the information.

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

16. Tennessee AmeriCorps Seniors — Free

Volunteer opportunities for adults 55+ in Tennessee 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. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many senior centers & social resources are in Tennessee?
Elders Corner tracks 16 senior centers & social resources for seniors and caregivers in Tennessee.
Are senior centers & social resources in Tennessee free?
16 of the 16 listed senior centers & social resources in Tennessee are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Tennessee have senior centers & social resources?
Resources serve multiple cities and counties in Tennessee.
What are some examples of senior centers & social resources in Tennessee?
Featured entries include National Council on Aging - Centers, Road Scholar, OASIS Institute, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, SilverSneakers.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
0 of 16 Tennessee senior centers & social listings include phone numbers.