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Did you know that Lakeland was designated as an Age Friendly city by the AARP (The American Association of Retired Persons) in 2017? The organization cited Lakeland’s robust activities, meal delivery services, and cultural programming as just a few reasons why our city is a great place for older adults to plant roots.
Check out a few of these adventures and opportunities for older adults.
For the curious of mind
- The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center | 934 South Blvd., Lakeland | Days and times vary | $60/course | Take classes in writing, computer education, Broadway history, and other topics.
- Polk Education Pathways | Locations vary | Days and times vary | $30 per semester | This program offers assistance in improving English, trade certification, General Educational Development (GED), and more through technical colleges + adult schools.
- Lakeland Toastmasters | 1551 E. Gary Rd., Lakeland | First + third Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. | Contact for pricing | This program teaches skills in public speaking and leadership, making you a more confident speaker and leader.
- Road Scholar Program | Locations statewide | Days and times vary | ~$1,000 per program | This program offers hands-on adventure trips teaching wildlife, film, music, history + more.
For those who want to keep moving
- Aquatic Fitness Classes | Gandy Pool, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | Monday-Saturday, times vary | $2.50-$5 | Make a splash in a water-based exercise program such as Aqua Spin, Splashersize, or Deep Water Aerobics.
- Adult Beginner Swim Lessons | Gandy Pool, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | Select Saturdays from May-August, 9-9:45 a.m. | $50/four-week session | Learn beginner swim strokes and safety.
- Low Impact Exercise | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Monday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | Increase circulation and improve cardiovascular function at this low-intensity workout.
- Lakeland Senior Softball League | Southwest Complex, 1444 W. Highland St., Lakeland | Monday + Thursday, 9 a.m. | $40/year | Play year-round softball with the league season running January-March.
- Adult Fitness Classes | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | Days and times vary | $5-$10/class | Build strength, cardio endurance, and flexibility through classes in yoga, boxing, pickleball, dance, and more.
- Lakeland Seniors Dance & Social Club | Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | $3 | Learn ballroom, Latin, swing, and party dances — check out the group’s Facebook page.
- Southgate Cycling and Coffee Club | Locations vary | Days and times vary | Free | Cycle your way through Lakeland with stops mid-route for a coffee break.
Brush up on your painting skills and learn new techniques.
Photo by @polkmuseumofart
For the creatives
- Polk Museum of Art | 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Days and times vary | Prices vary | Take a six-week adult class in topics like photography, oil painting, sculpting + more.
- Take & Make: Adult Craft Kits To Go | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Monthly, days and times vary | Free | Pick up a craft kit to complete in the comfort of your own home.
- Made @ the Library | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Monthly, days and times vary | Free | Register for this in-person crafting program — supplies are included and seats are limited.
- Piano/Keyboard Class | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. | $30/month | Learn piano theory and skills ranging from classical to modern music.
- Knit One, Crochet Too! | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Wednesday, 5-6:55 p.m. | Free | Bring your current knitting or crochet project to work on it alongside other crafters.
- Lakeland Community Theatre | 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Audition dates + times vary | Free | Unleash your inner performer by auditioning to participate in local performances of plays and musicals.
For the history + nature buffs
- Annual Historic Home & Garden Tour | Frank Lloyd Wright Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, 750 Frank Lloyd Wright Way | Annually in spring, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | $20 | Take this self-guided walking tour to view homes and gardens in the Lake Morton historic districts — an FSC shuttle bus is available.
- Lakeland Stamp Club | Peggy Brown Building, 215 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | First + third Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Free | Share your interest in stamp collecting at this casual gathering.
- Lake Mirror Historic Tour | Lake Mirror Complex, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Fourth Tuesday, October-March, times vary | Free | Join guide Stacy Smith on this walking tour of historic Lake Mirror — register early, spaces are limited.
- Polk County Architectural Tours | Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Third Saturday, 11 a.m. | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.
- Nature Tram Tours | Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland | Days and times vary | Free | Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds, and the history of the property.
Lakeland’s community centers are a great place to start if you’re looking to make new friends.
Photo courtesy of David Collinsworth
For those seeking community
- Silver Star Game Day | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Free | Older adults can enjoy a morning of fun, fellowship + classic games at this weekly get-together.
- Better Living for Seniors Polk County | Locations vary | Days and times vary | Prices vary | Network with senior services providers and hear from guest speakers.
- Duplicate Bridge | Peggy Brown Building, 215 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Tuesday-Wednesday, 1 p.m. | $5+ | Learn to play Bridge or join experienced players learning duplicate skills.
- Lakeland Activity Center for Seniors | St. Joseph Multi-Ministry Service Center, 210 W. Lemon St., Lakeland | Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Free | Visit this center for chair exercise, line dancing, fellowship dining, and more.
- Beautiful Minds Social Center | 1037 S. Florida Ave. Ste. 130, Lakeland | Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Contact for pricing | This adult day care provides connection + care for seniors through a variety of daily activities.
Is there an activity you love that we missed? Tell us what we need to add to our list.
