Join in Virtual Programming for Older Adults & Caregivers
Due to COVID-19 many of New York’s Senior Centers and programs have moved their incredible activities and classes online. Older adults (defined as those age 60 and over for many programs) can now connect to their peers and attend classes and activities either online over platforms such as Zoom or in some cases, over the phone. Offerings range from art and exercise classes to lectures, discussion groups, and religious services. Caregivers can also find links to webinars and classes about caregiving issues.
Explore the offerings below and find the activity that’s right for you or your loved one!
Programming dedicated to serving individuals with Alzheimer’s & dementia
Virtually explore cultural institutions, and museums from the comfort of home. Enroll in music, art, poetry classes and more!
Programming by organizations dedicated to the arts
Bring your own art supplies to these online workshops and flex your creativity! Stay active at home by participating in dance and movement classes.
Programming dedicated to serving the blind, visually impaired, or those with hearing loss
Participate in a variety of telephonic classes and activities - with programming ranging from trivia to improv. Also browse resources related to hearing accessibility and join in on classes.
CaringKind
Connect2Culture resourcesThe Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Virtual programming
Classes also hosted over Facebook
Visit their Youtube channel for recorded videos
The Creative Center at University Settlement
Virtual classesDances For a Variable Population Virtual classes and classes over the phone
Join instructors as they guide you through live one-hour classes. Recorded MOVEMENT SPEAKS® classes.
VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Telephonic classes
Regularly shares virtual events on their FacebookCenter for Hearing and Communication
Programming highlighted on their website
Classes also hosted over Facebook.
Programming dedicated to serving LGBT elders & their allies
You don’t have to be LGBT to participate but you should be an ally! Programming includes an LGBT discussion group, an art discussion group, chair exercise, meditation, Spanish class, and much more.
Programming dedicated to serving individuals with mental illness
Build community by participating in Facebook groups and other social opportunities.
SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders
Calendar of virtual events and classes
SAGE offers nearly 100 classes seven days a week for both DFTA registered older adults and unregistered older adults who can email info@sageusa.org to join.Stonewall Village NYC
Free Zoom Programming in partnership with Brooklyn Community Pride Center, CK Life, Dance Parade, Destination Tomorrow & Griot Circle. Groups are LGBTQ+ friendly, but open to all.
Fountain House
Virtual Clubhouse with livestreams and community meetings
Bay Ridge Center Online programming
Bay Ridge offers Tai Chi, technology classes, trivia events, knitting, crochet and much more.
Brooklyn Public Library Virtual Events Calendar
Find programming for all ages or events just for older adults such as a Healthy Aging for Older Adults class. Find all of the Library’s services for older adults here.
Fort Greene Council Inc. Virtual Centers
Join in the Virtual Senior Center programs Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm for classes that will keep you active, inspired, and connected via Zoom. Call-in information is also available.
Good Neighbors of Park Slope Online activities and classes
Connect to Zoom classes and social activities such as book clubs, current events discussions, yoga classes, and a knitting/crochet circle.
Heights and Hills Park Slope Center For Successful Aging’s online classes
Explore classes five days a week, including yoga, discussion groups, storytelling, Latin Rhythms and much more.
Carter Burden Network virtual classes
Enjoy drawing, printmaking, chorus, choreography classes and more 5 days a week.Central Harlem Senior Citizens’ Centers Virtual programming
Central Harlem Senior Citizens’ Centers offers programming five days a week including Spanish class, computer class, leisure games, yoga, doll making, line dancing, and much more!
Encore Community Services Online and Telephonic Programming
Encore offers online classes and select classes over the phone, including a fitness class, a telephonic support group, Spanish class, art therapy and more.
Greenwich House Online classes
Connect via computer or phone over Zoom to join range of classes available including comedy, Shakespeare, Qigong and Tai Chi, and healthy cooking.
Hudson Guild Upcoming Events
Join programming 5 days a week including Zumba, art therapy, a virtual Spanish concert, wellness classes and much more.
Morningside Retirement & Health Services (MRHS) Virtual programming on Zoom
Classes are offered 5 days a week including Naam yoga, writing groups, dance class and more.
Search and Care Classes
Search and Care is committed to making programming accessible to all seniors, including those who homebound and those who are not as comfortable using technology. Sample classes include: how to tackle clutter, meditation, scam prevention, pet workshops and more. To aide in participation, Search and Care also offers English and Spanish-speaking technology coaches to help older adults get connected virtually or by phone.
YM & YWHA Washington Heights and Inwood Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y Virtual classes
The Center for Adults Living Well (CALW) offers classes five days a week and weekly coffee chats, a discussion group held every Thursday. Classes include Inspired Movement, chair yoga, sleight of hand magic, and more!
92nd Street Y Himan Brown 60+ Online Program
Lifelong learning, community and connection through lectures and other opportunities. Please note there may be a cost associated with registration.
Neighborhood SHOPP
For more information about Neighborhood SHOPP’s virtual classes, please email info@nshopp.org or call 718-542-0222. Also check facebook for upcoming events.
Riverdale Y Real time online programming
Riverdale Y offers classes 6 days a week including stretching, Vinyasa yoga, and strength exercises. Their online senior center offers discussion on current events, Hebrew Club, Tai Chi, Kiddush, and more.
RSS Online classes and their Youtube channel
Classes are offered via Zoom, including, chair yoga/exercises, trivia, watercolor and more from Riverdale Senior Services (RSS).
William Hodson Senior Center Online activities
William Hodson offers classes five days a week, including a book discussion, Spanish conversation, and a sculpture class.
Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha posts virtual computer classes and exercise sessions on their Facebook.
Services Now For Adult Persons, Inc. (SNAP) Online classes
Services Now For Adult Persons (SNAP) offers classes 6 days a week. Classes include a “technology help desk”, Zumba, aerobics, and line dancing, as well as discussion groups.
Sunnyside Community Services Virtual events
Sunnyside offers Gyrokinesis, Swing Tai, Zumba, cooking classes and more. They also offer caregiving wellness workshops. Many classes are offered in Spanish.
More citywide, state, or national programming for older adults!
AARP New York Online events/webinars
AARP offers a variety of new classes, webinars and events each month.
DOROT University Without Walls
Join discussion classes over the phone (select classes are available in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian), led by educators from cultural institutions, medical and legal authorities, academic experts, social workers, volunteers and retirees. Topics include self relaxation techniques, fine arts and crafts and exploring your life story.
JASA Virtual classes and events
JASA offers classes Monday through Friday, including poetry classes, concerts in motion, belly dancing, nutrition workshops and more.
LifeSpan of Greater Rochester Online classes and events
LifeSpan offers webinars for caregivers on wellness and self care, a LGBTQ+ Ally caregiver support group, in addition to workshops on Medicare, Tai Chi and more.
PSS Life! University Online webinars and meetings
Caregivers can find many webinars and online meetings including support groups and resources for older adults with dementia. Adults 50 and older can find info on financial planning, online chair yoga classes, retirement, webinars related to healthy aging, and more.
Selfhelp Community Services Virtual senior center
Selfhelp’s Virtual Senior Center (VSC) reduces social isolation and loneliness among homebound older adults by allowing seniors to participate virtually in live classes. Participants use their personal computer to log into the VSC, review the calendar of activities, and join the class or activity interests them. Classes are offered in English, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Korean. 25-35 classes are offered each week. NOTE: membership fees may apply. Learn more
Senior Planet by Older Adult Technology Services (OATS) Classes
Senior Planet provides many virtual or phone technology classes and tutorials, including how to use phone applications, as well as offering classes on exercise, mindfulness, and more.
The Town of Bethlehem Senior Services
Check out their E-newsletter which links to online resources and virtual programming as well as information on scams.
UJA Federation of New York Online webinars and community/religious gatherings
UJA offers online webinars on topics such as resilience and coping in addition to a Pre-Shabbat gathering. There are also resources on mental health and resources for individuals and families.
Would like to make sure your virtual programs are included in this list?
Contact Katelyn Andrews at kandrews@liveon-ny.org with a link and information about your organization’s programming. Please also feel free to share any photos/videos of virtual programming that might be included on this page or in social media outreach!