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For many people, becoming a senior citizen means early bird specials, movie theatre discounts, comfortable walking shoes and retiring in a dream living space as you ride off into the sunset of your life.
But for others, this may be the perfect time to make all your lifelong goals and dreams come true.
According to an article from Psychology Today, active learning in older years may prevent cognitive decline along with several other benefits. So if you’ve always longed to learn that one skill that’s been on your bucket list since your youth, now is a perfect time.
Though the options for continued education are virtually limitless, here are just six classes seniors can take in the Salt Lake area.
Piano lessons
If you always regretted never learning to play the piano, you can still make your mother proud by taking lessons now.
According to a study released by Northwestern University, learning to play the piano can help older adults improve their mental clarity by creating neural pathways in the brain. Even minimal musical training proved to have positive long-lasting effects such as reduced stress, improved hand-eye coordination and a boost in creativity.
There are several options available for anyone in the Salt Lake area who wants to learn to play the piano. To find lessons near you, check out takelessons.com.
Flamenco dance classes
Combining dance, song, and guitar, this Spanish art form has several benefits for seniors. According to an article by Alive, flamenco relieves stress (thanks to the concentration required by the repetitive movements), improves balance and wards off memory loss.
Flamenco del Lago offers free classes for seniors of all levels in Salt Lake. For more information, visit their website.
Archery
If you’re looking for a skill that will burn some calories and make your grandkids appreciate you even more, you might want to give archery a shot.
Not only is this medieval practice rising in popularity, but it also happens to be a decent workout. According to Prevention magazine, flinging back those arrows will burn 140 calories in a half-hour — the equivalent of walking at a brisk 3.5 mph pace.
You can sign up for archery lessons by searching for classes in the Salt Lake City area.
Gingerbread cookie decorating
No list of senior classes would be complete without mentioning cookie decorating. With the holiday season on the way, it’s time to sharpen your skills in the kitchen and learn to make the gingerbread cookies and houses of your dreams.
Even though these classes are specifically for decorating gingerbread, you can use the skills you learn to decorate any kind of delicious treat.
Sign up now for cookie decorating classes offered through Orson Gygi or the University of Utah’s continuing education courses.
Yoga
If cooking, dancing, archery or music lessons are a little too overwhelming, here’s something much easier but equally beneficial: yoga.
In addition to improved balance, muscle tone, and overall mood, you’ll also benefit from better sleep if you commit to a routine. To get the most out of yoga, Verywell Fit recommends attending classes at least three times a week.
The Tenth East Senior Center offers options for daily yoga classes for seniors. Certain insurance plans may qualify you for a complimentary membership, so be sure to check your plan’s benefits.
Belly dancing
Yes, you read that correctly — belly dancing. While you may not initially think of this as one of the go-to activities for seniors, belly dancing could be just what you need to invigorate your senses.
Before you jump to conclusions, the Bellydancing by Thia website addresses the many misconceptions surrounding this art form. This ancient dance was an expression of respect for the body as the soul’s temple and has a rich cultural heritage.
“It relies on natural movements which gently and thoroughly exercise every part of the body. It stresses spontaneity, allowing each individual to dance freely, and express their own unique personality and creativity,” states the website.
Start living the life you deserve
If you want to combine several activities in a single location, the Central City Recrreation Center at 615 S. 300 East offers classes in yoga, belly dancing, pilates, Zumba, etc.
No matter how old you are, there’s never a wrong time to start living your life the way you want to. You can make your dreams come true at any age.
To live near all of these fun classes Salt Lake has to offer, check out City Creek Living. In addition to the close proximity to all of the excitement, these world-class properties are private, comfortable and luxurious. Take a look at their website to see what golden-age living can look like.
