SENIOR RESOURCES
With a wonderful climate, spectacular scenery, and abundant cultural offerings, Tucson and its surrounding communities attract almost as many retired persons as Florida. In fact, more than one-fifth of Arizona's population is older than 55.
Opportunities for Seniors
Many businesses in Tucson offer discounts to seniors—including restaurants, movie theaters, gift shops, museums, performingarts organizations, and travel services. Most local hospitals and each branch of the local YMCA have special programs for seniors that include exercise classes, health seminars, field trips, social events, and more.
SENIOR EDUCATION
Many retirees in Arizona discover that they now have the time and opportunity to go where their curiosity and intellect take them. Many attend the universities and community colleges throughout the state and take lifeenrichment classes in topics they've always wanted to learn more about.
Elderhostel provides programs to teach seniors about the Southwest and much more. Take a class on Jewish cowboys of the West. Share your experiences of World War II with other students. Learn about the plants and animals of Arizona. Whatever you are curious about, Elderhostel programs probably have a class on it. You can find Elderhostel programs at more than 100 locations in Arizona, from the Hopi mesas and Grand Canyon in the north to Nogales on the Mexican border. Curiosity and intellect thrive with the encouragement of these programs, famous for their modestly priced educational adventures around the world. New programs begin every month. Contact the national Elderhostel headquarters in Boston at 877-426-8056 or visit www.elderhostel.org for information.
Arizona's talented and wise retirees have become some of the state's best resources. Peer-teaching groups, affiliated with Elderhostel's network of Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILRs), are going strong at community college campuses in Prescott, Mesa, Surprise, and at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Arizona's universities and community colleges offer diverse and innovative lifelong-learning programs. Contact your local educational institution for more information.
The University of Arizona Continuing Education & Academic Outreach's SAGE Society (Seniors' Achievement and Growth through Education) provides continuing learning-in-retirement experiences for Tucson's senior citizens and winter visitors. Programs include discussion groups, study sessions, brown-bag lectures with guest speakers, field trips, and social events. Membership in the society also includes the opportunity to moderate classes on favorite topics and discounts on many Extended University courses. Contact SAGE Program, U of A Continuing Education & Adademic, 888 N. Euclid Ave., 85721. Phone 626-9039 (www.sagesociety.org, e-mail sagemail@u.arizona.edu). The office is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon.–Fri.
Pima Community College's Senior Education Program also offers noncredit courses especially suited to the needs and interests of older adults. Classes are offered at various locations throughout Tucson (206-6579) and Green Valley (625-5063).
Another popular program is OASIS: Enriching the Lives of Mature Adults, a national nonprofit organization offering classes in volunteer programs, education, culture, wellness, humanities, and the arts. OASIS creates opportunities for active retirees to continue their personal growth while providing service to the community. Phone Robinsons-May (one of three Tucson sponsors of OASIS) at 795-3950, ext. 2113, for more information, or visit www.oasisnet.org.
In the Tucson area, an interesting concept in retiree life is taking place at Academy Village. Here, retired university professors and academics can find common ground, living near other professionals with similar interests, and continuing their studies and research work. Attracting residents from all over the US, Academy Village focuses on the lifelong learning and wellness of its residents, providing access to the U of A, on-site health services, and recreational facilities. Phone 647-0900.
Additionally, senior healthcare providers and local senior centers serve up a varied menu of special-interest classes and events.
⇑ return to topSENIOR OLYMPICS
The Senior Olympic Festival is held late January/early February; seniors 50 years and older compete in events ranging from croquet to cribbage, track events to bocce, and basketball to aerobics. Events are held all over Tucson. Phone 791-3244, ext. 125 for additional information. www.tucsonseniorgames.org
ARIZONA SENIOR-SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering provides opportunities for you to put your skills and life experiences to work in ways that help your new community. Not only can you help other people, you can help yourself. Studies show that active volunteers enjoy healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
Many exciting opportunities exist in Arizona. The National Senior Service Corps offers three main outlets for active adults: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Senior Companion Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program. Phone 800-424-8867, www.nationalservice.org. Adults of all ages can also volunteer in a number of different areas by contacting the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona at 881-3300.
Older-Adult Service Agencies
THE PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING
This designated “Area Agency on Aging” coordinates services and programs for the elderly. Some of the services include a newsletter, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), information about collective meal sites, the Pension Information and Counseling Program, and an ombudsman service that helps solve problems in such areas as Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, hospitals, home repair, legal assistance, and the entire spectrum of social-service programs. If you have any questions regarding the concerns of the elderly or need advocacy for an elderly person, these people can steer you in the right direction. 8467 E. Broadway Blvd., 85710. Phone 790-7262 or contact the 24-hour statewide Elder Resource and Referral Line at 800-686-1431 (e-mail help@pcoa.org).
GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING
Arizona has a very active Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, with 15 members appointed by the governor. The mission of the Council is to provide the governor, the legislature, and state agencies with information about issues affecting Arizona's seniors. The Council attempts, to the best of its ability, to represent all seniors residing in Arizona and is always open to ideas and comments from this very important segment of our population. Phone 602-542-4710.
STATE OFFICE ON AGING
Every state government has an office on aging, responsible for coordinating services for older people. In Arizona, it's the Aging & Adult Administration (part of the Arizona Department of Economic Security). Phone 602-542-4446, www.de.state.az.us.
SENIOR RESOURCE NETWORK
Sponsored by Information and Referral Services Inc., this program provides information about a variety of options and services available to older adults in the Tucson area, including housing alternatives, living assistance, long-term care services, and caregiver support. Available by phone Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Phone 795-7480, www.azinfo.org.
ELDER LAW HOTLINE
In May 1998, Governor Hull signed House Bill 2618, a new law that, for the first time in Arizona history, commits funding to providing civil legal aid, including the establishment of an elder-law hotline. The hotline is designed to offer legal advice, if possible, in the span of a short phone conference. If the matter requires further discussion, referrals to other services may be required. The hotline is available for preventive advice as well as advice once a client is facing a legal challenge. Phone 623-5137 or 800-231-5441.
ARIZONA CHAPTER OF THE ASSISTED LIVING FEDERATION OF AMERICA
The Assisted Living Federation provides on request a free brochure called “The Consumer's Guide,” offering advice on choosing an assisted living facility. Phone 602-322-0100, www.azalfa.org.
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