Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to retirees. Clock into our guide for older adults, and find opportunities in Asheville that work for you.
Get fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Ashevillians.
- Asheville Parks & Recreation offers a variety of classes for seniors, many focused on fitness. Be on the lookout for options ranging from chair exercises to Zumba to the Senior Games Clinics.
- Get moving with the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Healthy Aging programs that include coaching options, aquatic classes, and recreational activities like pickleball.
- Ease into a gentle flow at one of Asheville’s yoga studios. Some spots, like Asheville Community Yoga, have classes designed for seniors.
- Buncombe County Public Libraries often have classes for older adults — currently, the West Asheville Library is offering Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention through Friday, March 14.
There’s no wrong way to get fit. Your first step could be as easy as finding walking trails at a local park or exploring one of Asheville’s easier hikes — just make sure your destination is open before you start your trek.
Spend time with the grandkids
If you’re looking to spend time with the grandchildren, explore these 20+ kid-friendly activities in Asheville and pick one that’s your speed. Pro tip: Don’t drive — students under 19 and adults 65+ receive discounted fares on Asheville Rides Transit buses.
Volunteer
Give back to the community by volunteering at a local organization. Whether you’re interested in supporting a community center or want to spend time outdoors, check out our full list of volunteer opportunities.
Take a class
It’s never too late to learn new skills while making friends. Explore programs that offer courses for older adults. Some popular examples include:
- The College for Seniors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville. The university also has programs for older adults centered on leadership and life transitions.
- Blue Ridge Community College’s Center for Lifelong Learning on the Hendersonville campus offers classes based in subjects like history, technology, and current events.
- The LIFE@Western Carolina program also offers non-credit courses to adults 50+ on its campus in Cullowhee, usually taught by retired faculty and staff.
You can also explore free classes from Asheville Parks & Recreation, especially at the Grove Street Community Center — formerly the Senior Opportunity Center. These include sessions based on healthy living and art.
Explore the arts
Beat the crowds and take a weekday trip to one of Asheville’s many museums, and be on the lookout for senior discounts throughout the week at destinations like the Asheville Art Museum or Biltmore Estate. Or, enjoy a performance; older adults can receive discounts for shows at places like the Fine Arts Theatre.
Pro tip: Find art in nature — seniors can get discounted annual or lifetime National Park passes and explore all of the parks around Asheville.
