Local Outings that Will Entertain

Local Outings that Will Entertain

Seniors have done a lot to help make this world a better place and they better out lives in ways we may make fun but help a lot. That is why they deserve to be spoiled. The seniors in my life know how much I appreciate them. I had to ask those seniors what they do for fun. Here our some of the things that entertain.

While my criteria is very helpful you will see that there are other factors that entertain seniors and they do not always follow the rules.

1. Casino – One of the biggest in our area that seniors love to entertain is the Casino. I have a theory about this but it is only a theory. I think the seniors get to try their luck at something that could make them money but I also think they like the socialization and what many see as a good deal. (I don’t get it but I am not a senior yet.) I was told the senior likes it for the great deals on food, never mind they lost a hundred dollars on the slots. They like the attentiveness of the waitress and becoming a regular. The last reason I was told is because they are lonely and being around others allowed an interaction in a way that didn’t happen in other, less expensive settings.
2. Bingo – Another location I have done and do not find the appeal, but many seniors who never have done bingo start this age old tradition once they get their senior card. I was told similar reasons to the above.
3. Senior Centers – Thank goodness this hit the list for entertainment because my gosh do we have some great senior centers around town. And might I just add that no two senior centers are alike. If you know a senior who is bored or lonely and didn’t like the first senior center they visited encourage them to check others out. Lakewood Senior Center has a membership with professional level photography, knitting clubs, exercise classes and art to name a few. Puyallup Senior Center is a very active outing and guest speaker friendly group. There is always someone to interact at that senior center when you come in.
4. YMCA – The local Silver Sneakers clubs at the YMCA have made them a place to entertain and remain healthy. Win- Win if you ask me. My favorite part about this location is they have senior parking at several of their locations, meaning they score well on my senior friendly scoring card.
5. Coffee Shops – I can not say it enough, seniors get lonely. If they go to a local place on a regular basis they are bound to get to know a person or two. I think that we have so many amazing local coffee shops that the waitresses get to know their names. What a wonderful way to give back as a server. Next time you go to coffee look for your regular seniors and make an extra attempt to say hello. That could be you someday.

Lisa Doyle is a local registered nurse, the founder of CayCare, a geriatric care manager and the mother of 3 beautiful children. You can find Lisa teaching online courses or teaching local preplanner’s workshops. Go to caycare.com to see where you can learn more from her.

What makes a location senior friendly? I am so glad you asked.

1. Good lighting. Not too bright but not too dim. Vision for a senior is already impaired just from aging and the reduced function of the rods/cones in the eyes. The lighting is essential to make a location “senior friendly”.
2. Noise control. Hearing tends to reduce as we age either from damage or normal signs of aging. So limited background noise allows a location to be senior friendly.
3. Easy accessibility. If there are narrow walkways or steps then senior friendly a location is not.
4. Patience when ordering. Whether is waiting in a line or ordering a location is only considered senior friendly in my book if they accommodate the wait. Seniors need more time to process menus and read instructions. They need to have the time it takes to adequately review instructions or menus meaning you better be patient if you want my rating.
5. Parking. The parking needs to be close by and there needs to be enough relative to the location that a senior is able to access even when busy. I am pleased to announce several locations scored well in this arena but then failed in most other criteria. Our seniors need to be able to park close enough that they aren’t worn out once they walk in a location. The smartest way to eliminate this as an issue is have >80 parking spots aside from handicapped. I love this idea but it hasn’t caught on. If you know of a place honoring our seniors in this way please share with me and I will be glad to share with the readers.