Staying socially active as a senior: Activities in Brisbane

The ever-elusive secret to eternal youth could in fact be social activity. In a study from the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Centre, researchers found that highly social seniors had a 70 percent lower rate of cognitive decline, and by interacting with peers, they showed it may be possible to ward off dementia and age-associated depression.¹

Staying socially engaged and intellectually stimulated as you age can be as easy as putting yourself out there. Most towns and cities offer a whole host of activities specifically designed for seniors, so why not take the plunge and enrol in a few?

Activities for seniors in Brisbane

Regular events

Mahjong - Lyceum Club

Free

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at the Chinese game Mahjong, the Lyceum club in Brisbane hosts a a few events every month. Similar to the Western game Rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, calculation and of course a little chance. New players are always welcome.

Have a picnic – Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Free

Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens are a must for any plant lovers. Consider taking a walk through the smaller tracks to give a “behind-the-scenes” look at the garden. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it!

Zumba Gold – Tavernetta Function Centre

N/A

Ditch the workout and join the party, with a slower-paced Zumba. Zumba has taken the world by storm with their fun and energetic workouts, and Zumba Gold offers a milder alternative for those a little less active. You will find many enthusiastic instructors at Seniors' Zumba classes that will have you swinging your hips several times a week.

The Green Apple Wellness Centre – Bald Hills

Varied

Located in Bald Hills and established in 1978, the Green Apple Wellness Centre specialises in exercises for seniors. You can sign yourself up for a supervised resistance training schedule, work with a personal trainer, or join one of the many group classes that include Step Express, Aerobics, Aqua Aerobics, Kai-Bo, Pilates, HIIT and Yoga.

Venue: Mitchelton Library

Venue address: 37 Heliopolis Pde, Mitchelton 4053

Twilight Yoga in the Gardens – Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Free

Join yoga instructor and nutrition coach, Anne Noonan, for one hour of twilight yoga in the beautiful surroundings of Brisbane’s Botanic Garden. Bring your own mat and water every Saturday at 4pm throughout summer.

Brisbane Playgroup for Grandparents – Ascot

$20 for six months

Where: Ascot Community Centre, 77 Kitchener Road, Ascot

If you regularly look after your grandkids, you’ll know that finding things to do with them can sometimes be a challenge. A playgroup aimed at grandparents is a great way to keep a toddler entertained, while also meeting people your own age.

The 50 Plus Centre – Brisbane City Hall

Free–low cost

The 50 Plus Centre, located in the basement level of Brisbane City Hall, offers a wide variety of low-cost activities to residents in South East Queensland aged over 50 years. Membership is free, and once a member, you can partake in everything from Tai Chi and Scrabble to Art Classes and Line Dancing.

Australian Men’s Shed Association

Small yearly fee

If you like to keep busy with your hands, the Australian Men’s Shed Association is a group of men that enjoy restoring furniture, fixing bicycles for schools, and making cubby houses for Camp Quality to raffle off. The idea is to use their skills for something meaningful, while enjoying a cuppa, a biscuit and a chat. Check the website to find your local men’s shed.

Aqua Aerobics – Yeronga Park Swimming Complex

From $11

Aqua aerobics is an enjoyable, low impact workout that gives your heart and lungs a vigorous challenge without putting pressure on your joints. At Yeronga Park Swimming Complex, there are five daily water aerobics classes to choose from.