Things to do

8 reasons you'll be glad you're over 60

There’s so much happening in our local area during the 10 day Seniors Festival, it’ll have you counting down the days until you turn the big 6-0.

Older women playing pickleball
Seniors Week 2022 pickleball

There’s a lot to celebrate about getting older. The NSW Seniors Festival acknowledges the contribution older people make to our community with a jam-packed program of events.

1. Swim and exercise for free

Our world-class aquatic centres will open their doors free of charge during Seniors Festival for visitors 60 and over.

Juanita Nielsen Community Centre is offering 1 week of free gym access and fitness class to all first time visitors aged 60 and over. You can join free gentle exercise classes at Pyrmont Community Centre or head to Ultimo Community Centre to enjoy a friendly table tennis competition.

Aqua aerobics at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. Credit Chris Southwood
Aqua aerobics at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. Credit Chris Southwood

2. Try a new sport: pickleball

Pickleball is a 2 or 4 player racquet game that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It’s as fun as it sounds! Try it out at KGV Recreation Centre.

3. Yoga for everyone

There are yoga classes for all abilities on offer. You can try a free yoga class during the festival at Reginald Murphy Community Centre in Potts Point. For those who are less mobile, chair yoga at Cliff Noble Community Centre in Alexandria is exactly what it sounds like: gentle exercise while sitting in a chair.

4. Just dance!

Lose yourself in the music – there are so many styles of dance to try!

  • Zumba Gold recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity.
  • Sh'bam, a new group fitness dance class at Gunyama Park
  • Flamemco dance classes for complete beginners to more experienced

5. Take to the stage

Now’s your chance to flex your talent on the stage or silver screen! Acting instructor Sean O’Shea hosts acting classes to help you develop your acting skills. Prepare for your next career at the Reginald Murphy Community Centre in Potts Point.

6. Brush up on your painting skills

Join our classical painting class at Ultimo Community Centre with tutor, John. Or head to Reginald Murphy Community Centre, where professional art teacher and painter Michael Braden hosts a fun painting class each fortnight.

If you enjoy being creative you might also like to join the art and craft group, creative writing class, sewing class or stitching circle

7. Free digital training and support

City of Sydney Library takes its Be Connected program to Reginald Murphy and Redfern community centres. Learn the basics from email and internet searching to how to set up a MyGov account or connect with family and friends on Facebook and Zoom. You can also drop in to Ultimo or Cliff Noble community centres for help at IT troubleshooting sessions.

8. Silver Sessions for LGBTIQ women

These free workshops at Erskineville Town Hall are a chance to meet people and access information in a fun and social way. There are different activities to enjoy each week from dance, yoga and meditation classes to printmaking and women’s health and healthy ageing workshops.

Want more? Explore what's on older adults.

Published 13 March 2022, updated 13 October 2023