Exciting New Activities for Seniors in Bryan, College Station, and Navasota
The cities of Bryan, College Station, and Navasota are stepping up their game to create fun and engaging spaces for senior citizens. With the increasing number of retirees moving into these communities, it has become more important than ever to provide activities that keep seniors active, social, and connected. In July, College Station earned the title of one of the top five fastest-growing retirement populations in the country, which has sparked an array of programs aimed at enhancing the lives of older residents.
Making Space for Seniors
As more seniors settle into these cities, the demand for tailored activities has grown. For example, in College Station, Kari Williamson, the Senior Services Coordinator for Parks and Recreation, emphasizes that their main focus is to “get people out” and encourage them to enjoy life. She shares, “You’re being around people, even if you’re here for a short amount of time throughout the day, just being surrounded by people. That social aspect is a huge part of our programs.”
Similarly, the city of Bryan recognized a need for more senior-centered activities and has been hard at work addressing it. Maddie Green, the Recreation Coordinator, explained that it was essential to fill the gaps she observed. “They see the things for youth and for adults, and they’re like, where’s the stuff for the seniors?” she remarked. This led to the launch of new programs aimed at creating an inclusive environment for older adults.
A New Monthly Social Event in Bryan
One of the latest initiatives in Bryan is a brand-new monthly social event that kicked off on September 10. Each month offers a fresh lineup of activities designed for seniors to connect and enjoy themselves. From Singo to pickleball and even cookie decorating, there’s something for everyone. Green elaborated, “With this [program], we were like let’s find some stuff that some people haven’t really looked into yet.” The emphasis is on mixing old favorites with new twists to make sure everyone finds something they love.
The socials are held on the second Tuesday of each month, providing a fantastic opportunity for seniors to not only stay active but also learn something new and establish a sense of community. The effort is aimed at promoting well-being and social engagement among seniors, and the positive feedback so far has been encouraging.
College Station’s Senior Center
College Station is also home to the Bob & Wanda Meyer Senior & Community Center, which provides an impressive range of activities aimed at enhancing mobility and social outreach among its senior patrons. The center publishes a Senior Calendar that lists daily events, from table games to workout sessions, and even educational classes designed to stimulate curiosity and camaraderie. Williamson notes, “We eat together, we play games together, we dance, we just have fun.” Her mantra is clear: “It doesn’t matter how old you are. You deserve to have fun.”
Navasota’s Focus on Invitation and Community
The City of Navasota has also jumped into the mix, launching its own Senior Activities calendar filled with engaging programs. Taylor Hughes, the Marketing and Communication Manager, highlights the goal of fostering an inviting atmosphere where seniors can enjoy social interactions. Activities kick off every morning with a friendly coffee time, followed by light physical activities and card games that promote fun and fellowship.
Hughes encourages everyone to come by and enjoy the camaraderie: “We would love to see you, it’s welcome for anyone. Come try it out, come have coffee with us, see what you think. Meet some people and then if you want to stay, we’d love to have you.”
Community Engagement and Connection
As these cities continue to develop exciting opportunities for seniors, it becomes clear that living in Bryan, College Station, and Navasota is about much more than just a peaceful retirement. It’s about **being active, making new friends**, and creating lasting memories. With a variety of social events and programs designed specifically for older adults, these communities are ensuring that seniors can thrive in a welcoming environment full of adventure and connection.
