Seniors living in Tampa, Florida, have endless opportunities to engage in fun activities with friends and family members of all ages. That’s what makes Tampa and surrounding communities like Citrus Park such popular retirement destinations for seniors.
And the best senior activities in Tampa might be ones that offer new experiences that force seniors slightly outside of their comfort zones. Regular new fun and engaging activities with family and friends have been found to help seniors age well in numerous studies.
Seniors who challenge their brains with new activities, remain physically active, and maintain strong social connections retain their mental and physical health for longer. This is known as “use it or lose it”—and there are many ways for seniors in Tampa to “use it” on a regular basis.
1. Nature Walks in Brooker Creek Preserve
The benefits of seniors walking on a regular basis cannot be overstated. Walking has been shown to ward off heart disease and improve circulation, reduce bone loss, slow cognitive decline, and improve the overall mood of seniors.
Luckily for seniors in the Tampa area, the Brooker Creek Preserve offers a great opportunity to enjoy the natural habitats of Florida’s west coast while getting all the health benefits of walking. Trails are well groomed and flat boardwalks that extend through forested wetlands offer a perfect walking surface for seniors. Even better, they’re mostly shaded from the sun by the forest canopy.
Adding native plant tours, bird watching, photography, and picnics to walks in the Brooker Creek Preserve are great ways to make nature walks even more engaging and social. Nature walks in Brooker Creek Preserve should be among everyone’s top senior activities in Tampa.
2. Take in a Show at the Straz Center
The Straz Center in Tampa is a nonprofit performing arts venue and art education center that provides endless opportunities to bridge the generational divides between seniors, adult children, and grandchildren through art. Live shows and programs designed specifically for children are scheduled year-round at the Straz Center.
And the theatre is great for people of all ages. It encourages creative thinking and mental stimulation, broadens worldviews, and can start engrossing conversations between grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren. Aside from all that, everyone loves a great show. That’s why live theatre is among the best activities for seniors in Tampa.
3. Off to the Races: Tampa Bay Downs
Sporting events have long been one of the most popular family bonding activities. An afternoon of horse races at Tampa Bay Downs can provide fun and excitement for family members of all ages.
Whether you place a friendly bet or prefer to sit back and take it all in, horse racing can be a great way to create memorable experiences. Group events can be arranged for larger social circles or family reunions. Otherwise, simply enjoying a day of races from the grandstands can be a lot of fun for seniors, adult children, and grandchildren alike.
4. Antiquing: A Trip to the Past
Strolling antique stores and flea markets is a great way for seniors to spend time with their family members, young grandchildren in particular. Different items on display can serve as prompts for seniors to recall their past experiences and childhood to their grandchildren in a fun, engaging way.
The Vintage Post Market Place, Seminole Heights Antiques and Home Decor, and Gaslight Antiques are just a few options for seniors who want to go antiquing with friends and family members. Even if it’s only window shopping, antiquing in Tampa can be a great way for seniors to spend a relaxing Saturday morning with an adult child or grandchild.
5. More Opportunities: Senior Connection Center
The Senior Connection Center in Tampa is a nonprofit organization that provides an elder helpline, assistance with sorting out Medicare benefits, and free health and wellness courses and activities for seniors.
Programs and activities cover areas such as Tai Chi, healthy living, diabetes self-management, healthy eating habits, and active living, just to name a few. Seniors can attend these activities with friends or family members, or they can use those opportunities to connect with new Tampa seniors.
Best Activities for Seniors in Tampa: In Review
There are endless activities for seniors in Tampa with all different types of interests and ability levels. The best ones find ways to incorporate light exercise, socialization, and new experiences that create great memories. Nature walks, performing arts, window shopping, and senior wellness programs all provide great opportunities to achieve that. Senior Centers in Hillsborough County can be a great resource for additional activities in Tampa.
