10 Things That Are Free for Seniors
As we age, our expenses get bigger and our budgets get smaller. With rising healthcare costs, home maintenance, and other necessities, seniors may feel like they can’t waste money on anything fun. But did you know that there are plenty of activities aimed at seniors that won’t cost you a dime? If you’re an older adult who wants to meet your entertainment quota without breaking the bank, this is the article for you. Here are 10 things that are FREE to seniors!
Senior Centers and Community Activities
Today’s senior centers are fun, vibrant, and packed to the rafters with free programs, activities, and events. From potlucks to movie nights to exercise classes, there are countless ways seniors can stay engaged and social. Plus, these centers are an excellent place to meet other seniors in your community! Staying socially connected is important, especially as we age. In fact, studies prove that loneliness and social isolation are bad for your health.
National Parks
Did you know that only 100 out of 400 national parks actually have an entrance fee? If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, you can enjoy Mother Nature at her finest without paying a cent! Of course, if you’d like to visit a national park that does have an entrance fee, you can always go on an entrance fee-free day. There are five throughout the year, so you’ll have five opportunities! Additionally, for only $80, you can purchase a lifetime pass that will give you free access to all the national parks and federal lands throughout the United States!
Public Libraries
If you’re a bookworm, you’re in luck! Public libraries offer FREE entertainment for seniors. A library card will help you gain access to thousands of books, magazines, DVDs, and more! While a replacement card may cost you, your very first library card is always FREE. Many libraries also offer free courses, ranging from computer classes to yoga lessons. Some even offer FREE cooking lessons, like the Nashville Public Library.
Museums
Many museums, such as the Smithsonian, offer FREE admission to seniors. Museums offer a chance to explore art, history, and science! This educational activity can be a great way to spend a day. While many museums do charge admissions fees, others offer discounted rates. For example, at the Art Institute of Chicago, seniors receive $8 off ticket prices. Others, like The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, offer free admission to seniors on certain days of the week.
Volunteer Opportunities
When we retire, we can sometimes lose our sense of purpose. That’s why volunteering is a great way for seniors to reclaim their sense of purpose and feel empowered! Volunteering provides opportunities to make new friends, stay active, and give back to the community. Check out senior volunteer organizations like the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to find volunteer opportunities near you.
Exercise Classes
Many gyms or community centers offer free exercise classes for seniors. These classes can range from yoga to Pilates to aerobics. But you don’t have to join a gym or find a community center to join a fitness class. For example, Senior Fitness with Meredith has countless free, senior-friendly workouts on her YouTube channel! Her workouts range from quick ten-minute walking workouts to seated dumbbell workouts and more! SeniorShape Fitness is another YouTube channel where you can find countless senior-friendly workouts for every fitness level.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Many colleges offer FREE or reduced-price courses for seniors. For example, if you live in New Jersey, you may want to check out Rutgers. They provide FREE college courses to learners aged 62 and older. The University of Connecticut and Georgia Tech both boast a tuition waiver program for seniors. It’s never too late to learn a new skill or pursue higher education!
Hearing Tests
Hearing tests are essential for seniors, but they can be expensive. However, many organizations offer free hearing tests, including hearing aid manufacturers and some audiology clinics. Check with your local healthcare provider or insurance plan to see if free hearing tests are available. If you’re an AARP member, you can actually receive a free at-home hearing test. Simply visit The National Hearing Test and use your AARP log-in.
Tax Preparation
During tax season, many organizations offer free tax preparation services to seniors, including the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) grant program. These services can help you save money on expensive tax preparation fees!
To Sum It Up
Between senior centers, libraries, and national parks, seniors can stay active, engaged, and entertained without spending a dime. Always check to see if there’s a senior discount before you buy anything! Now, don’t be afraid to go out, explore your community, and make new friends!
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Originally published May 28, 2024
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