Celebrate Older Americans Month with Us!

Aging Unbound

The Gotos stay active year round

Both are over the age of 65 and in March 2023 they went snowshoeing at Marys Peak

Aging Unbound

Shirley Burt is 94 and stays active by exercising at the YMCA and taking walks with friend’s multiple times a week, volunteering at the local historic museum in town, and going to weekly coffee with my friends as well as lunch dates. She likes to be proactive with her yard work, and helps cut and stack fire wood with her son to have warm heat in the winter times.

Shirley also enjoy putting puzzles together each day when she has down time.  Staying up on current events around the world and knowing what is happening around us all is also a priority for her.

Join us in the Month of May as we celebrate Older Americans.

What does this mean?

We want to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes.

Our goal is to make it clear that we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.

How to get involved

View the Kick Off Event Recording

Get Outside!

Connect to Your Community

Learn Something New

Health & Wellness

Kick Off Webinar featuring Dr. Margaret Manoogian

Navigating Our Aging Pathways—Capability, Adaptability, and Agency

Back to Top of Page

Get Outside

Here are some walks we recommend. Click on the county below to see the list.

Clatsop County

Astoria River WalkLocated in Astoria, Oregon, the Astoria Riverwalk trail stretches along the city’s waterfront, following a portion of the Astoria & Columbia River Railroad. This 12.8 mile walk provides visitors with a walking tour of the area, with plenty of opportunity to indulge in spectacular views of Youngs Bay and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, a variety of shopping and dining options, and locations of historical significance, such as the Maritime Memorial and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The walk can be broken into parts or done as a whole. Click here to download a map.

NW Coast Trail Maps & Guidesa comprehensive guide to outdoor activity in the Lower Columbia River region illustrates walking, hiking, cycling and equestrian routes and trails, as well as paddling and wildlife-viewing destinations, with the goal of promoting healthy, outdoor activities for residents and visitors and highlighting our region’s natural assets.

Marion County

Champoeg State ParkChampoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg’s forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era. A diversity of activities await. Enjoy walking or biking on the paved trails that pass historical landmarks and hug the river. Play the 18-hole disc golf course under the oak trees, relax at the multitude of scenic picnic areas, or fish or kayak from dock on the Willamette River.

Minto-Brown Island ParkMinto-Brown Island Park spreads out over 1,200 acres of lush, open, and wooded areas. This makes Minto-Brown Island Park not only the biggest park in Salem, but also larger than Central Park in New York City. Walk, run, or bike any of the 29 miles of trail that make up nine loops. You can also access Riverfront Park via the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge. Riverfront park connects to Wallace Marine Park by the Union Street Railroad Bridge.

Riverfront Park in Stayton – Get to know this 1.3-mile loop trail near Stayton, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 23 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Polk County

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge – Generally considered an easy route. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Populations of several endangered and threatened animal and plant species can be found on the refuge, and wildlife/wildlands observation, photography, hiking, and environmental education and interpretation are some of the visitor activities allowed on the Refuge.

Baskett Slough has two trail heads. The main one is on Coville Road and is a one mile loop trail past an observation platform on top of Baskett Butte (Mt. Baldy) through Oak groves and farmlands and back to the main trail head.

 

Dallas Trail LoopCheck out this 1.6-mile loop trail in Dallas City Park in Dallas, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 30 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.

Tillamook County

Kilchis Point Reserve Interpretive Trails  Consisting of 200 pristine acres located adjacent to Tillamook Bay, Kilchis Point is owned, protected and maintained by the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum. The trails are home to a wide variety of native plants and animals that create a precious ecosystem. Three separate interpretive trails highlight different aspects of the area: floral and fauna; Native American heritage; and early pioneer settlement. This rich cultural history is well documented with interpretive and educational trail signs along each trail. The paved trail loop makes for an easy stride during a warm summer evening.

 

Hoquarton Interpretive TrailThe Hoquarton Slough once served as a water route to the City of Tillamook, Oregon, for supply, passenger, and fishing boats entering Tillamook Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Before Pioneer settlement, the Tillamook Indian Tribe hunted and fished in and around the slough’s rich natural environment. The Hoquarton Interpretive Trail was built in a cooperative effort between the City, volunteers and a number of granting agencies. The park is located along the banks of the slough just one block north of the heart of the downtown area next to the new four-lane bridge at Front Street and Highway 101. 

Yamhill County

Miller WoodsLocated three miles west of McMinnville and available for public hiking and activities, Miller Woods is an educational venue that provides a wide array of outdoor experiences for people of all ages. The diverse property has ecosystems that include hayfield, oak savannah, timber stands, ponds, and streams which are home to a variety of native plants, birds, and other wildlife. Visitors enjoy hiking, running, exploring the many natural features, discovering critters, and so much more!

Chehalem Heritage TrailsWhen it’s complete, this trails system will connect Newberg and Dundee, plus this Chehalem Park and Recreation District to the greater Portland Metro area and the rest of the Willamette Valley, through a series of pedestrian, biking, equestrian, and river trails. 

Connect to Your Community

Well Connected offers classes, conversations and acitivities by phone and online in English and Spanish. Free. Ages 60 +

Call 1(877) 797-7299 for more information and to register or click here to go to their website.

If you would like to connect locally, please click on your county below.

Clatsop County

Seaside: Sunset Empire Park & Recreation District – Park and Rec/Sunset Empire Park and Recreation/Seaside, Oregon

Activities: art classes, pottery, personal training, aquatic fitness; Events: Cuisine, Chalk Art, Seaside Farmers Market, Senior Meals

Astoria: Astoria Senior Center – The Astoria Senior Center (ASC) is a small nonprofit gem in downtown Astoria, Oregon. The facility is meant to be an activities center, but our services extend past recreation. We have a dedicated staff of volunteers and an Executive Director who make the best of their facilities, using it to make a difference in people’s lives. For example, we offer lifetime learning, important social interaction, and a comfortable, quiet facility.  Thanks to our commitment, the seniors in the area have a clean and friendly environment in which to spend their time and build relationships with one another.  More info on the Astoria Senior Center here.

Astoria Calendar of Events

 

Cannon Beach: Things to Do and Events and Festivals

Performing Arts in Cannon Beach

 

Clatsop County Support Groups – downloadable pdf

Marion County

Silverton Senior Center – Their mission is to be the resource hub for area residents aged 50 and over. They provide social, educational, health-related and recreational opportunities in a safe, courteous and inclusive environment.

View their calendar here

Mt. Angel Community & Senior Center – They provide a gathering center for residents as well as food boxes, craft store, and senior dining site.

South Salem Senior Center – A center offering recreational activities for anyone over the age of 50. Their motto is: Seniors serving Seniors!

View their event calendar here

Center 50+ – Connects individuals age 50+  and their families to local programs and services. The senior center provides daily activities to provide social interaction and personal growth. The senior center has received accreditation by the National Institute of Senior Centers.

Classes include lapidary, woodworking, silversmithing, jewelry beading, painting, health and fitness and personal enrichment classes such as Spanish, music, gardening, and Safe Driver. Over 200 different classes are offered and are ever changing to meet the newest trends and patron/community interests.

 

Polk County

Monmouth Senior CenterThe Monmouth Senior Community Center was established to serve the older adults and people needing a place to gather, in Monmouth and the surrounding areas. Classes, activities, trips, and services are all offered. For more information please call the MSCC at 503-838-5678.

 

Dallas Area Seniorsa nonprofit organization whose mission is “to improve the quality of life for all senior citizens in the greater Dallas area.” For information on senior activities, contact the Senior Center at 503.623.8554. Click here to view their latest newsletters, which includes a calendar of events.

Tillamook County

Tillamook: Beginner’s Tai Chi/Moving for better balanceWhen: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Tillamook YMCA in Gymnasium 8:30- 9 and 9-10

 

Support Groups

  • Caregiver Support Group
    • Where: NorthWest Senior & Disability Service – NWSDS 5010 E 3rd Street . Tillamook, OR 97141
    • When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
    • Contact: Nicole Mosley 503-815-2062; nicole.mosley@nwsds.org
  • Grief Support Groups
    • Where: In person at Adventist Health Tillamook – 1000 3rd Street Conference room D, 3rd floor Tillamook, OR 97141
    • When: Every other Thursdays from 4-5pm – call to register
    • Contact: Pam Strachan  strchea@ah.org 503-815-2411
  • Cancer Support Group
    • Where: In person at  Adventist Health Tillamook – 1000 3rd Street Conference room D, 3rd floor Tillamook, OR 97141
    • When: Once a month on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm – call to register
    • Contact: Karen Layzell   layzelk@ah.org   503-815- 7564
Yamhill County

McMinnville Senior CenterThe McMinnville Senior Center offers a variety of art and special interest classes, social activities, card games, educational presentations, book discussions, support groups, and health related clinics. The Wortman Park Art Gallery, featuring masterpieces created by local artists, is located on-site.

Chehalem Senior Center – open for coffee and visitors, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch is served on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. (reservation required in advance).   

The center is humming along with the return of established groups and clubs including billiards (Pool Cues), Hand and Foot, Pinochle, Mahjong, Dominos, and China painters, and even some services including foot clinic. The coffee is always on, the library is stocked, and a jigsaw puzzle awaits.

Learn Something New

Click here for a list of colleges and universities throughout the state of Oregon that provide tuition waivers and discounts for their senior citizens or click on your county below to see what may be offered in your area!

Clatsop County

Clatsop Community College – ENCORE (Exploring New Concepts of Retirement Education)


ENCORE (Exploring New Concepts of Retirement Education) Learn provides life-long learning opportunities for students age 50+. The organization is run entirely by its members. They conduct their own classes, host guest speakers, discuss current events, read books and plays and keep their minds active. This program offers short-term courses, which are often lead by ENCORE Learn members and cover a wide range of topics, including science, health, art, music, literature, history, writing, religion and current events.

 

ENCORE Learn members may also use the College Library, interlibrary loan privileges, and computers in the Learning Resource Center (located on the upper level of the College Library).

 

Anyone interested in the ENCORE Learn experience may enjoy two sessions at no cost or obligation—we know they’ll want more! To request an information packet or become a member, please call 503-338-2408 or email communityed@clatsopcc.edu.

 

No tests, no grades, no homework… just plenty of enjoyment, enrichment, and friendship! For more information about ENCORE Learn, go to www.encorelearn.net

Marion County

Chemeketa Community College 65+ WaiverIf you’re over 65, a disabled veteran or a dependent of a fallen or disabled service member, you may receive a waiver.

There is a form that must be filled out and an approved tuition waiver will cover the cost of 8 credits each term. Course fees must still be paid, however. Here is a link for course eligibility.

Polk County

Chemeketa Community College 65+ WaiverIf you’re over 65, a disabled veteran or a dependent of a fallen or disabled service member, you may receive a waiver.

There is a form that must be filled out and an approved tuition waiver will cover the cost of 8 credits each term. Course fees must still be paid, however. Here is a link for course eligibility.

Tillamook County

Enjoy the Golden Age Discount at Tillamook Bay Community CollegeIndividuals 62 years of age and older are eligible for a Golden Age Discount. The Golden Age Discount applies to tuition only for credit courses. Individuals must complete an application and obtain a Golden Age Card.  Students must meet all the admission and course requirements in order to enroll in the course 

Yamhill County

Chemeketa Community College 65+ WaiverIf you’re over 65, a disabled veteran or a dependent of a fallen or disabled service member, you may receive a waiver.

There is a form that must be filled out and an approved tuition waiver will cover the cost of 8 credits each term. Course fees must still be paid, however. Here is a link for course eligibility.

Health & Wellness

Are you interested in health education, fitness instruction, and self-care strategies?

Oregon Wellness Network (OWN) delivers programs to help individuals manage chronic health conditions, prevent falls, and foster well-being. If you are coping with high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, diabetes or other chronic conditions, OWN can support your efforts to live life as fully and independently as possible.