The Golden Years In Lamorinda

Even after the kids have left the nest, Lamorinda is still a wonderful place to live. With a wide range of classes, clubs, and sports geared to seniors, there’s no lack of ways to stay busy, engaged and healthy. Should the time come for more support, many local organizations provide services to assist families in keeping their older members happy, safe and fulfilled.

​“Aging in Place” is a community initiative that council members take seriously - for instance, you can contact anyone on the “Senior Services Commission” in the City of Lafayette to dig deeper than the resources pointed out here. ​​

Out and About ​

You don’t have to get on a plane to have an adventure. Orinda Parks and Rec offers day trips for seniors to places such as the Hiller Aviation Museum, wineries in Livermore and activities like zip lining in the redwoods and visits to local landmarks.

Each activity is assigned a number level to help guide you to an outing that meets your needs. Sons in Retirement has you covered whether you’re looking to go fishing or simply out for an elegant dinner with other couples at a local restaurant.

​Hoping to travel farther afield?

Sons in Retirement takes trips to places like Switzerland, France and Iceland, while Orinda Parks and Rec keeps it within the US, taking folks to fascinating cities such as New Orleans and Alburquerque. Join Lamorinda Movers ​

Meeting Up ​

Lamorinda Village hosts coffee and conversation groups at their location in Lafayette as well as educational and social activities, referrals and volunteer assistance to its members.

The organization has limited number of “Supported Memberships” available to those in need. Visit their website for more information. The local branch of Sons in Retirement has plenty of things to keep the gentleman out of the house and on the move.

Their website lists classes alphabetically from Apple Users Activity to Wine Tasting with plenty more in between. Women won’t be left behind. Many of their events include spouses and friends.

The City of Lafayette provides ample opportunities for seniors to get together, whether you prefer to drop in for a game of Mah Jongg, go birdwatching, or take walk around the reservoir. Many activities are free for members and non-members. For others, non-members may pay a nominal free.

​Walnut Creek Parks and Rec and the  City of Orinda offer similar options. Lamorinda Movers holds monthly dinners and programs as well as activities such as bridge, Mah Jongg and Bocce for their members. Membership applications are available on their website. You must be 55 or older to join. ​

Keeping up with Technology ​

The grandkids keep asking to follow you on Instagram, but that iPhone can be so confusing.

Take an Apple class through the City of Lafayette and you’ll be connecting in no time. Get some help with your laptop or social media at the City of Orinda’s Juniors4Seniors program. Reservations required. Call (925) 253-2416 to reserve a spot.

​The Apple store at Broadway Plaza has free classes to help familiarize you with their products’ myriad of features. Tech support is also available to members of Lamorinda Village during their teen tech or computer help lessons. ​

Staying Balanced ​

Anne Randolph, a licensed physical therapist, teaches two classes for the City of Lafayette. Both “Avoiding Falls” and “Art of Balance” are hour-long classes available at no cost to members of Lafayette Senior Services.

Join Senior Services for only $15.00 per calendar year. Pleasant Hill Parks and Rec has a long list of ways to stay in shape, including Tai Chi, Gentle Pilates and even fencing. Lamorinda Village also provides occasional exercise classes such as chair yoga to its members.

​When it comes to stimulating the mind and keeping up with friends and hobbies, almost nothing can beat Acalanes Adult Education.

On the Move

Need a ride to the doctor or drugstore? Seniors Around Town provides transportation to appointments and local shops in their volunteers’ own vehicles. Call (925) 402-4506 or email SAT at the Orinda Association to become a rider.

​The Lamorinda Spirit Van is a service staffed by primarily by volunteers and financed in part by city funds, community organizations and non-profits. Fees are based on destination, with discounted rates offered to low-income residents. ​

Bringing it Home ​

Wishing you had help to repair that gutter or sticky window? Lamorinda Sunrise’s Rotary “Home” Team will send out a two-person team to take care of those pesky projects free of charge.

Call them at (888) 204-5573 or find them online at Lamorinda Sunrise or Rotary Home Team. Covia connects senior homeowners with others looking to rent a room, a win-win for both parties. When you have a family member who is no longer able to shop or cook, it’s time to call on Meals-On-Wheels.

​Their Diablo Region delivers close to 220,000 meals per year to Contra Costa Residents in addition to care management, companionship, nutrition information and workshops. ​

Helping Hands ​

Contra Costa County is a great place to find useful advice and referrals for adult day care, in home services, transportation, counseling and much more.

See their website for links to providers, volunteers, and agencies or call their Information and Assistance line to speak with a social worker about resources and support. From a mobile phone, dial (925) 229-8434. If calling from a landline, please use  (800) 510-2020.

Their TDD line for the hearing impaired can be reached by dialing (925) 602-4198. The City of Lafayette’s resource page includes a list of legal, peer counseling and transportation services as well as many others. Their offices at the Lafayette Community Center are open Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00 with a lunch break from 12:15-12:45 and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Want to stay connected to people like yourself?

​The City of Orinda publishes a monthly newsletter for seniors. Call (925) 254-2445 or email them to get on the list. Visit the city’s senior resource page to find helpful information about health insurance counseling, eldercare and the Rite Aid Wellness program. 

With groups and activities to appeal to almost every interest and services to fill virtually every need, the senior years in Lamorinda can be rich with purpose and companionship. Reach out and find your community. Life will be golden. ​