Support Us Button Widget

10+ activities for retired locals in Lexington

If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Lexington.

Four older adults sitting in chairs making music by playing instruments like the flute or recorder at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Students making music at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Photo via Norma Wirt

Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock into our guide for retired people, and find opportunities in Lexington that work for you.

Get fit

If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Lexingtonians.

  • Charles Young Center offers senior fitness programs on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.
  • Check out Active Older Adults programs at YMCA of Central Kentucky locations.
  • The Lexington Senior Center offers a range of fitness classes, with a special emphasis on older adults in courses like Active Aging and Senior Fitness Testing.
  • Eldercrafters at the Black and Williams Center offers fitness classes for Fayette County residents aged 60+, but you can also exercise your mind with creative activities like knitting and ceramics.
  • Strengthen your muscles and grow your social circle by trying a group class at StrongerLife, specifically designed for locals ages 55+. Here the team will help you increase bone density, improve balance, and more.

There’s no wrong way to get fit. Your first step could be as easy as finding walking trails at a local park or exploring one of Lexington’s easier hikes.

Spend time with the grandkids

If you have grandchildren who you’d like to spend more time with, explore these 25+ kid-friendly activities in Lexington and pick one that’s your speed. Pro tip: Don’t drive — Lextran offers reduced fares for youth riders and adults 62+.

Volunteer

Give back to the community by volunteering at a local organization. Whether you’re interested in supporting a community center or want to volunteer outdoors, check out our full list.

A firefighter teaching and older adult to use a firehose, and the hose is spraying a wide stream.

This local made a splash on the Senior Intern Program.

Photo by Amy Wallot + @lexingtonkygov

Take a class

It’s never too late to learn new skills while making friends. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kentucky offers courses and interest groups for adults 50+. Or, check out the Donovan Scholars program at Bluegrass Community & Technical College that covers full tuition and mandatory fees for qualified adults 65+.

Older adults who want to learn more about local government can enroll in the annual Senior Intern Program, though applications for 2025’s session have not been released yet.

A group of women standing in front of a horse statue at the American Saddlebred Museum.

The American Saddlebred Museum offers special rates for seniors.

Photo via @asbmuseum

Explore arts + sports

Beat the crowds and take a weekday trip to one of Lexington’s many museums, and be on the lookout for senior discounts (we see you, International Museum of the Horse). Older adults can purchase discount tickets at The Kentucky Theatre and they also may be able to purchase rush tickets at the Lexington Opera House. Sports fans can get discounted senior tickets to some UK sports like soccer, softball, and women’s basketball.

More from LEXtoday
Find out who is behind the funky fiber art keeping local trees warm and fuzzy.
Check out these 13 yoga studios around the Horse Capital of the World, which offer everything from hot power classes to beginner sessions.
Projects to be funded by the $20+ million Fund Balance include money for a new government center, paving improvements, district-specific projects, and more.
Did you know Transylvania University has a tomb? We’re sharing the story of eccentric botanist Constantine Rafinesque, who is buried on the campus he cursed.
Help celebrate Día de los Muertos and honor those who have passed at one of these events happening in town.
Have a night full of treats — not tricks — whether you’re trick-or-treating, passing candy out, or just avoiding the extra traffic.
The record-breaking number is supported with additional funding to the STEP program to help local businesses enter the global market.
The city earned the ranking in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for its culinary excellence and distilleries.
Munchies? We don’t know her.