Whether it’s a day hiking at the parks or whale watching on the ocean, Edmonds is the perfect destination for retirees to live out their golden years. Let’s delve into the many activities available for retirees in Edmonds and how to find the right community for you.
Explore The Local Treasures
Edmonds, Washington, has a plethora of senior-friendly outdoor activities that are ready to be explored. Some of our favorite budget-friendly activities for retirees include:
- Exploring Marina Beach Park
- Walking Olympic Beach or Meadowdale Beach Park
- Hiking Southwest County Park
- Discovering new favorites at the Farmers Market
- Hopping on the Edmonds ferry
- Photographing the sunset at Brackett’s Landing North
- Scavenging the town for unique murals
- Whale watching with Puget Sound Express
Edmonds is perfect for retirees who want to explore the coast and outdoors. It’s called the ‘Great Outdoors’ for a reason, right?
There are also plenty of indoor activities during a rainy day (Downtown Edmonds even provides umbrellas)! Learn about the rich history of Edmonds and visit the Edmonds Historical Museum for free any day of the week. What could be better than supporting your local community and learning about its historical origins?
If you love art, explore the stunning Cole Gallery & Art Studio. As the most extensive gallery and art school in the surrounding area, you will indeed be enchanted by the artwork in the studio. There are pieces influenced by all eras, from the impressionist to contemporary paintings to the abstract. Plus, if you’re an artist, Cole Gallery offers over 100 online and in-person classes so you can pursue your passions and meet new people!
Find The Support You Need
For many people, going to work every day is a massive part of their social life, and when retirement comes around, it can feel incredibly isolating not to have that outlet. But don’t worry; you can join many groups and clubs to meet new people and form lasting relationships.
Before enrolling in every club available, take a moment to reflect on what you’re passionate about and how you want to spend your time. If you’ve never enjoyed cooking, taking a cooking class will likely not fulfill your needs. However, if you’ve always been passionate about music and singing, a musical group may be exactly what you need. Choose activities that allow you to meet like-minded people while pursuing your passions.
A great place to start is at your local senior center. The Edmonds Waterfront Center is an integral part of Edmond’s senior community, offering a variety of resources and programs such as art classes, book groups, exercise classes, counseling, trivia, discussion groups, and more! You don’t have to be a member to visit or participate in the programs at Waterfront Center so you can try it out risk-free.
Belong To a Strong Community
Being part of a strong community is crucial in retirement. Of course, belonging to a physical community that fits your needs for housing and amenities is critical, but the people you surround yourself with will make the most significant impact.
Think of retirement as the first day of grade school! You have to go out of your way to make connections and friends. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, but it’s the only way to make lasting friendships. Here are a few ways to get started:
- Go where the people are: It may seem like a no-brainer, but the best way to meet people is to go where they gather together. The office is typically the breakroom, but in retirement, it may be your local gym or donut shop (The Edmonds Bakery, in particular, is fabulous).
- Find a group that meets regularly: Whether it be an art class or a book club, having set social time in your calendar can help you build relationships within the group. It’s less intimidating than venturing alone; you can meet people with similar interests.
- Attend events: Sometimes, you must be brave and attend local events alone. Check out your local theater to see if they’re showing a particular film or if the local senior center is throwing a holiday party. You may be surprised at the wonderful people you meet who are looking for friendship, too!
A Fulfilled Retirement
Retiring in Edmonds is an incredible area to explore your passions and create new, lifelong friendships. Take a chance, try something new, and live your golden years to the fullest!
