
Instructor Spencer Chandler leads a class on Tai Chi Chuan at the Edina Senior Center. Photo: Chris Emeott
We take a look at a variety of programs for older adults that offer opportunities to stay social.
In our Senior Living Series, we explore a few of the many programs in our city for people over the age of 55.
Edina offers a variety of programs to help older adults stay active, engaged and connected. Whether you’re looking to keep your mind sharp, maintain your fitness or even explore new interests, these opportunities make it easy to learn, socialize and stay involved.
Edina Senior Center
From book clubs, card games and educational lectures to exercise classes, the Edina Senior Center offers a plethora of opportunities for seniors to pursue their passions and interests. Senior center recreation supervisor Nicole Gorman fills the monthly newsletter with a wide variety of offerings, including the tried-and-true bingo and bridge club all the way to trendy classes like the art of Swedish Death Cleaning and a lecture from a paranormal investigator. “I always look at what’s trending,” Gorman says. While educational programs—especially health-focused ones—remain the most popular, the senior center shows its personality with in-demand activities like the Single Mingle Club and ukelele classes that eventually turned into a ukelele club. And much of it is offered at little to no cost to participants. “The goal is to offer as many free programs as I can,” she says. “We’re really trying to provide a good service.”
Life Time ARORA
Life Time’s ARORA program is designed for seniors who “want to stay active, fit, healthy and social all the days of their lives.” The program offers active social mixers, educational workshops, fitness classes and a weekly coffee club. The mixers combine a low-impact activity with a social hour and have previously included poolside socials, book clubs, cookie decorating, dancing through the decades, pickleball, and walk and talks.
Karina Wait has been teaching various aspects of the ARORA program for four years. “Staying social, especially as we age, gives seniors the opportunity to grow and create friendships, creates a purpose and a reason to get out of the house, brings excitement to their days and can help or improve their mental health and well-being,” Wait says.
HUM Program
Since 2015, the HUM program has provided a space for South Asian seniors in Minnesota to connect and engage. Originally part of Edina-based AshaUSA, the group is now under the umbrella of SEWA-AIFW after the two organizations merged in May. The nonprofit focuses on health, harmony and mental well-being. “The word hum is Hindi and is the collective form for ‘us,’” says lead program volunteer Ruby Anik. “It’s also an acronym: H is for ‘hear each other,’ U is for ‘understand each other’ and M is for ‘mingle with each other.’” Anik says. HUM meets 11 times a year in Edina. Each meeting includes lunch and a rotating lineup of activities. If you are interested in joining HUM, contact Anik at 612.964.9487.
With so many options available, these programs offer meaningful ways to stay engaged, build friendships and enjoy new experiences.
Edina Senior Center
5280 Grandview Square Suite 101; 952.833.9570
Lifetime ARORA
250 Southdale Center; 952.257.7100
Next month, we explore the joys and challenges of dating—plus essential tips for staying safe while finding love later in life.