6 great senior activities to do in the SF Bay Area

The Bay Area is full of fun and enjoyable activities for people of all ages. If you’re an older adult, or you’re helping an older loved one find something engaging to do, there are plenty of local options to explore. If you live in assisted living in San Francisco, or simply want to stay active and connected in the area, these ideas can help you find an activity that fits your interests, preferences, and pace. 

Activities for older adults in the Bay Area include:  

• On the Level SF 

• Tai chi classes 

• Dance classes at the Peninsula Ballet Theater 

• Art classes at the Palo Alto Art Center 

• Cooking classes 

• BayAreaOlderAdults.org 

On the Level SF 

On the Level SF specializes in guided tours without hills or steps. Tours are one mile or less and include places where you can stop and rest. These and other accommodations make the tours a welcoming option if you want to explore the city but need a little extra support along the way. As spring approaches, consider the Rooftop Gardens Walking Tour in downtown San Francisco and discover some of the city’s hidden rooftop treasures.

Tai chi classes 

Support continues to grow for the health benefits of tai chi, particularly for older adults. This gentle form of exercise can improve strength, flexibility, and balance. When combined with standard treatment, tai chi can have beneficial effects on arthritis, low bone density, heart disease, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and sleep problems. It’s also an enjoyable group activity that offers a chance to move with others. You can find many places to practice tai chi with other older adults throughout the Bay Area, including senior centers and YMCA locations.  

Dance classes at the Peninsula Ballet Theater 

Ballet, jazz, tango, flamingo, tap, hip-hop, and more. The Peninsula Ballet Theater offers a wide range of dance styles, so you can try something new or return to a beloved art form for fun and exercise. Dance is a whole-body workout that can improve flexibility and balance. You can also enjoy moving to the beat of the music with friends. Look for an experience level and class pace that feels comfortable and works well for you.

Art classes at the Palo Alto Art Center 

Art classes here come in just about every medium you can imagine, giving you an opportunity to draw on your creativity, wisdom, and life experience. Options include afternoon and evening drop-in programs for drawing, collage, jewelry making, and ceramics. With so many activities available, you can choose a medium that interests you or experiment with something new. Check the center’s website for the most up-to-date schedule and pricing. If you’re a Palo Alto resident, you can receive a discount. 

Cooking classes 

Go on your own or invite a friend to join you. The Bay Area offers a number of hands-on cooking classes where you can build your skills, expand your cooking repertoire, and enjoy what you make. Chef Joe’s Culinary Salon is one example where you can brush up on your knife skills or work on perfecting your breakfast repertoire. 

BayAreaOlderAdults.org 

This isn’t technically an activity, but Bay Area Older Adults is a useful resource for finding fun things to do, particularly if you’re interested in group events. Bay Area Older Adults, or BAO, is a nonprofit organization that shares information about a variety of indoor, outdoor, and volunteer activities for adults ages 50 and older. You can use the website as a resource or become a member for free to access other benefits, including member events. Events listed when this article was written included bird-watching at Vasona Lake, lawn bowling in San Jose, lectures on topics ranging from the potential of genetic testing to planetary research and exploration, and travel adventures in the U.S. and abroad.