Spring Brings New & Returning Senior Programs

Senior adults will have more opportunities to stay active and connect with others this spring through a variety of programs designed specifically for adults 55 and older. The lineup includes returning favorites such as the annual Senior Dance and monthly Senior Socials, along with new offerings like Games & Grounds.

“Whether the impact is big or small, there’s a reason behind every program we do,” said Recreation Coordinator Maddie Green, who plans adult and senior programming for the City of Bryan. “Seeing people enjoying themselves makes me feel like we’re making a difference in the community.”

Monthly Senior Socials

Adults ages 55 and older are invited to meet new people, stay active and learn something new through Senior Socials. Each month features a different activity. For the spring, February’s Café Game Time invites attendees to enjoy coffee and games such as Scrabble, chess, dominoes and cards. In March, the Texas A&M Cognitive Lab will lead a discussion and activity focused on brain health. April’s Sunshine & Steps social includes a springtime walk at Tanglewood Park, and May wraps up the season with Loteria, a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo. Beginners are welcome. The socials are free and registration is not required. View locations and more information on the Adult and Senior Programs webpage.

Weekly Games & Grounds

While participants have expressed that they enjoy the monthly socials, Parks and Recreation staff also heard a growing interest in more frequent opportunities to gather. That’s why Games & Grounds was created and will occur every Thursday starting in March from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Neal Recreation Center.

“It’ll be a great time for people to connect weekly by playing games like dominoes, Scrabble, Uno and cards,” Green said. “We’ll be happy to take game requests, too!”

A special game day will be held the last Thursday of each month, featuring Singo and Loteria. Learn more about Games & Grounds on the Adult and Seniors Programs webpage.

Annual Senior Dance

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the annual Senior Dance that features a night of dancing with a live DJ, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and a costume contest. The dance typically brings together 350 to 400 seniors for a special night of fun.

"It’s kind of like a senior prom,” Green said. “People really look forward to it. We’ve even had people strategically plan for their friends from out of town to come just in time for this event.”

This year’s dance will be Friday, March 20, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Brazos Center. To celebrate its seventh year, the theme throws it back to the 1970s with a Friday Night Disco. Tickets are on sale now for $10 per person at a few city facilities and will be $15 at the door. Visit the Senior Dance webpage to view ticket locations.

While dancing the night away will be a special memory to take away from the dance, the opportunity for seniors to connect with each other is just as important. Green says she sees lots of smiles and new friendships at her events.

“Growing in community and growing in relationships with one another is such a healthy way for people to live,” Green said. “If you’re nervous to try one of these events by yourself, know there’s probably going to be someone else there trying it out, too.”

Make a Suggestion

Green encourages residents to submit suggestions through this online form to help improve senior programming and to share ideas for future topics, activities and events.

“We want to reach everybody in the community,” Green said. “We want everyone to feel like we give them something to be a part of.”

More Activities

The City of Bryan provides funding for residents over the age of 55 to attend the Brazos County Senior Citizens Association’s center for free. The center, at 1402 Bristol Street in Bryan, is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers multiple activities each week. Visit their website for more information and a calendar of upcoming events.