For seniors who want to kick off the new year with a new activity, whether exercise or hobby, there are many to opportunities in the local area.
Both Rhinebeck and Red Hook have very active senior communities and town committees that support seniors no matter what their interests are. Here is a sampling of what’s available out there:
In Red Hook, a senior exercise group meets in two sessions — Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 10:30am and from 10:45am to 11:45am — at Town Hall. A similar group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10am at St. John’s Reformed Church in Upper Red Hook. Both groups are sponsored by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, run by volunteers and are free.
However, a medical clearance is required so participants should call the Office for the Aging at 845-486-2555 to register before joining in.
Seniors are also invited to exercise at the Rhinebeck American Legion on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-12pm. This, too, is sponsored by the county’s Office for the Aging and is free. Call the Office for the Aging at 845-486-2555 to register.
A coed bowling league is looking for new members of all ages and meets on Monday evenings at 6:30pm at the Ro-Lin Lanes bowling alley, on Route 9G in Red Hook. Cost is $15 per person per week.
Bard College also offers many exercise-related activities which seniors can participate in for a fee, including swimming, aqua aerobics, Tai Chi, Zumba, and more. Go to www.bardathletics.com and click on the Community tab for more information, or call 845-758-7531.
On Thursdays, Rhinebeck Reformed Church hosts a senior drop-in center with all kinds of activities, including artists and wood carvers offering advice and lessons and fellowship. Once a month, this group goes out to lunch or has a party. Call Vanessa Graff at 845-876-7163 for more information.
Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Center for Healthy Aging, which offers a lecture series on health for seniors, periodically has diet and exercise programs offered for a fee, call 845-876-4745 or visit www.health-quest.org/CHA for more information. The Wellness Center at the hospital also has an extensive program for fitness and well-being, including pilates, Tai Chi and specialized programs for osteoporosis and weight management. Call 845- 871-4300 or visit www.health-quest.org for more information and a list of fees.