Keep up the energy as you enter your golden years

As we have gotten to know our New-to-Medicare community of those turning or recently turned 65, we know how much residents of Jacksonville want to stay active. Just because you are getting older does not mean that your days of exercise and outdoor hobbies are done. With living your best life in mind, here are thirteen of the best ways to stay active on Florida’s First Coast. 

Pickleball

Pickleball is sweeping the country by storm, as it’s a great way for people of all ages to get exercise and meet new people. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or someone looking to get started playing for the first time,

Jax Pickleball

is a great place to start. They can get you started with the tools of the trade, lessons for beginners, and updated maps with the best places to play in Jacksonville.

Birdwatching

The weather is one of the best things about living in Jacksonville. And that weather is not just great for humans, but it’s also great for our region's biodiversity. We have more opportunities for birders than many places in the country. Birdwatching is also one of the most cost-effective hobbies you can enjoy.  The

Visit Jacksonville website

has information on which birds you can see in Florida, tours, and trails where you might find them.  

Golf

Especially for those who are recently retired, playing golf is a classic way to spend some of your newfound free time. If you are new to the game, it might be worth visiting a driving range or a public course to try it out before committing to a full membership. There are many fine courses in the Greater Jacksonville area, but our pick would be

Eagle Harbor Golf Club

in Orange Park for its combination of facilities and PGA-trained instructors to take the next step in your game.

Beachfront Rentals

You can take advantage of all the beachfront space the First Coast has to offer. If you take a visit to

East Coast Sport Rentals

, you could have a day renting bicycles (for riding on pavement or on sand) and stand-up paddle boards if you are looking for oceanside exercise. You could also rent umbrellas and have a day at the beach that the whole family would remember.

Going to the Gym

Age has never stopped you before, so why let getting older get in the way of spending time at the gym? In fact, Jacksonville has many Silver Sneakers programs that specialize in getting seniors together and getting them active. We’re going to highlight

First Coast YMCA

for their Silver Sneakers program, which might already be included in your Medicare Advantage plan. You can check with your plan provider or call one of our Medicare experts at

Fair Square

to check if your plan includes this benefit.

Physical Therapy

Age-related injury or illness should not get in the way of you feeling strong and enjoying the best parts of living here. If you have a physical ailment preventing you from getting back out there, or if you’re interested in strength and balance training in a more tailored and specific manner, then physical therapy could be the right choice for you. Jacksonville has many good options for physical therapy clinics, but today we are highlighting

Physical Therapy Services

due to their 30 years of experience in the community. 

Yoga

Yoga is one of the best ways to maintain your balance, flexibility, and overall peace of mind. Your age doesn’t have to hinder your opportunity to try something new. Our friends at

Soluna Yoga

have chair yoga classes that allow you to work up a sweat with a whole-body workout, even with limited mobility. 

Tai Chi

The practice of Tai Chi can bring a feeling of serenity while strengthing your core and balance.

Tai Chi Health and Wellness

offers a variety of courses for whatever your level and mobility might be. Low-impact martial arts could be a great way to get active while getting out of your comfort zone.

Kayaking

Another way to enjoy low-impact exercise is for those who want to get out on the water to go kayaking. The

Jacksonville Kayak Company

has over 20 years of experience at Amelia Island. They offer rentals and tours up the creek at Amelia Island and in the city of Jacksonville with varying levels of intensity so you can find what’s right for you. 

City Walks

If you're looking for a new way to explore parts of the city, Jacksonville Urban Trails via the

Jax Beach

website can help bring a new perspective on familiar ground.

Tennis

For many, tennis is considered the sport of a lifetime. Florida has some of the country’s best places to play, and Jacksonville is no exception. If you are fortunate enough to play at

Deerwood Tennis Club

, you might have the pleasure of playing on the same courts as Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, and Jimmy Connors. 

Swimming

If you are interested in swimming but less inclined to do so in the ocean, the

David Posnack Jewish Community Center

has you covered with senior fitness classes both in and outside the pool. Check out their website for all they have to offer.

Get Involved with Your Community

Getting active can mean exercise; it could also mean being an active member of your community. For a list of great events for seniors, the

North Florida Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

can keep you updated. This is a great way to prioritize the health and well-being of you and your neighbors in Jacksonville.

Conclusion

Jacksonville is a great place to enter your golden years. And for those years to continue to be the best of your life, it’s critical to stay healthy and stay busy. Luckily, residents of Jacksonville can take advantage of the fantastic options available to them and stay active for many years to come.