Chicago, Illinois is the third-largest city in the United States and offers its residents and visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. For senior citizens, the Chicago city government sponsors a variety of programs to provide recreational and educational activities. Chicago seniors can also tour some of Chicago's well known attractions for reduced admission prices.
Chicago Fitness Plus
The City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services oversees the Chicago Fitness Plus program. Designed specifically for senior citizens, the program improves physical fitness through a series of exercises. The classes include strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training. Thirty different locations throughout Chicago offer the classes. Each class meets twice per week for 45 minutes each session. Class times vary from location to location. Seniors can also take advantage of personal trainer sessions through the program.
The schedule of the Chicago Fitness Plus is available both online and in the form of a paper calendar. Classes are free for area seniors aged 60 and over. Some of the locations of the classes, like senior and community centers, offer free shuttles and other transportation to and from the location upon request.
Lifelong Learning Program
The City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services also offers Lifelong Learning Program for Chicagoans aged 60 and over in cooperation with area community colleges. Through this program, seniors can take classes on a variety of topics. Those wishing to learn about new technologies can enroll in courses on computers, smartphones and MP3 players. Art classes are also available, such as digital photography and working with clay. Classes are held at area community colleges and senior centers. Typically, courses last six to eight weeks, meeting once or twice per week for a total of two hours weekly.
The schedule for Lifelong Learning Program courses changes quarterly. Calendars available online and in paper form. Classes are free for seniors 60 and over. Advanced registration is required to attend the courses. Shuttle transportation is available to and from some course locations.
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum has served the city since 1856. The museum held Zagat ratings of "very good to excellent" for its appeal, facilities and service as of October 2010. Seniors aged 65 and over enjoy reduced admission rates every day the museum is open.
The museum's collection includes more than 22 million objects that trace the history of the Chicago from its settling through the present day. Among the topics of exhibits in the museum are architecture, costumes and textiles and photographs.
The cost of senior admission was $12 as of October 2010. The admission price includes an audio tour headset that provides narration for the museum's attractions. The museum is free for everyone on Mondays. Public parking is available in the garage at Clark and LaSalle; museum visitors can receive admission discounts with museum validation. Handicapped senior citizens can park in specially designated free spaces on the museum property.
Tags: aged over, Chicago Fitness, Chicago Fitness Plus, Fitness Plus, Learning Program, Lifelong Learning
