Activities for Seniors in Washtenaw County, Michigan
Staying active and preventing loneliness as we age is important in keeping us healthy both mentally and physically, but finding new activities to join can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. According to the National Institute on Aging, “several research studies have shown a strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being among older adults and have suggested that social isolation may have significant adverse effects for older adults.”
As a top provider of senior housing in Washtenaw County, Vibrant Life Senior Living, Superior Township is connected to local communities and the many resources they offer the 55+ population. We’ve compiled this helpful list of senior activities near us for you or your loved one to explore!
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Activities in Ypsilanti, MI
Located roughly 10 miles east of Ann Arbor and 5 miles from Superior Township, Ypsilanti is home to Eastern Michigan University and entertainment for all ages. Here are some good options for senior activities:
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Taking a Class at Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center
The Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center offers a wide range of programs for seniors, including knitting, euchre, art, and bingo. For those looking to stay active, the Center also offers gentle fitness classes and line dancing.
There is no membership fee at The Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center, but donations are welcomed and some programs come with a small cost.
Swimming at Rutherford Pool
Swimming is a low-impact exercise with many health benefits for seniors, including improved flexibility, heart health, and muscle tone. The Rutherford Pool in Ypsilanti offers many opportunities for seniors to swim throughout the day, as well as water exercise classes that are open to all ages and abilities. Find the schedule here.
Seniors (55+) can pay a daily entrance fee of $3, or buy a $12 punch card (your fifth entrance is free). Season passes are also available for $75.
Visiting Museums
History lovers will find plenty of places to visit in Ypsilanti. The city is home to multiple museums, including:
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Located in historic Depot Town, the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum‘s featured automotive stories include Chevrolet Corvair, Tucker, Hudson, Kaiser-Frazer, and General Motors Hydra-matic. Special events are typically held throughout the spring and summer, and visitors to the museum can enjoy nearby restaurants and shops all year long.
Admission is $5, and free parking is available.
Michigan Firehouse Museum
The Michigan Firehouse Museum is also located in Depot Town and encompasses over 26,000 square feet of “historic artifacts including tools, equipment, memorabilia and the largest collection of fire truck bells in the country.” Admission for adults is $5.
Yankee Air Museum
The Yankee Air Museum is located at Willow Run Airport and offers fun for the whole family with exhibits on aviation, aerospace, and the science of flight. Thunder Over Michigan, part of a major air show tour, is also held here in the summer. Admission to the museum is free to members, and seniors 60+ pay $8.
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Activities in Ann Arbor, MI
Known for its food and art, Ann Arbor is a great place to go when you need something to do! The city is a roughly 20 minute drive from Superior Township, and is home to a number of businesses offering activities tailored specifically to seniors. Here are some options to explore:
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Taking Classes at the Ann Arbor Senior Center
Similar to The Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center, the Ann Arbor Senior Center offers a number of programs and services to the community. Activities include bridge and social games, fitness classes, and informational workshops. The cost of classes vary, and members receive a discount. A yearlong membership is $25.
Exploring The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan
Adult learners ages 50+ can explore a large catalog of events at The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, including lecture series, small group learning, and informal activities around town. Prices vary.
Continuing Lifelong Learning at Elderwise
Elderwise is another lifelong learning option in Ann Arbor, offering single and multi-session courses, as well as tours and field trips. According to their website, the $40 membership fee covers the 12 months between September 1 and August 31 the following year, although you do not have to be a member to take classes. Paid membership entitles you to a discount on class registration fees.
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Activities in Canton, MI
A fifteen to twenty-minute drive from Superior Township and Ypsilanti, Canton’s beautiful golf courses, community resources, restaurants, and premier theater make it the perfect place for seniors of every lifestyle. Activities for seniors include:
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Taking a Class at The Canton Club 55+
Club 55+ is a senior adult program run as part of the Summit on the Park Community Center, and gives seniors plenty of opportunities to meet new people and stay active:
- Enjoy camaraderie at a social club
- Learn something new (or pick up a new hobby) with art, music, and other fun classes
- Get active with fitness classes like karate, dance, or aquatics
You can visit their website to see a calendar of current events and information about memberships.
Golfing
Both of Canton’s golf courses offer senior golf leagues:
- Pheasant Run Golf Club’s senior league (56+) consists of two-player teams competing for weekly prizes on 9 holes.
- Fellows Creek Golf Club’s senior league (55+) is a 16-week league where all skill levels are welcome.
Enjoy a Show at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is “a 400-seat, premiere performing / visual arts and education center” offering a wide variety of shows, including comedy acts, dance recitals, and musicals.
Staying Active as You Age
At Vibrant Life Senior Living, we understand the importance of continuing to stay active and social as we age, and emphasize the importance of living a vibrant life at our senior living communities. We hope you found this list helpful — please let us know if you have any questions!
