Seniors living in Northern Virginia may feel that their options for leaving the house are limited. With the number of people over the age of 65 in the region expected to grow to almost 430,000 by 2030, there are plenty of older community members to form dedicated group activities meant specifically for seniors. Group meetups are one of the most effective solutions for addressing senior loneliness, and studies show that doing activities in groups offers more health and cognitive benefits than doing those same activities alone. However, finding meaningful communities can be challenging.
The good news is that Northern Virginia is far from sparse in group activities for seniors, as long as families know where to look. Here are five of the best meetups and senior activities in the area.
Try Educational Programs
It’s never too late to learn! For many older folks, the desire to keep the mind sharp is strong, but doing the crossword every day is not quite scratching the itch. Look at your local academic institutions; many allow seniors to enroll in single classes for a discounted rate or even sit in for free.
Virginia Commonwealth University, for example, has an audit program for adults over the age of 60. The institution waives tuition, but it differentiates between the types of credits seniors can earn. Those from low-income brackets (below $23,850) can take courses for full credit; those above that threshold may audit (meaning they can take the class but will not receive college credit for it).
There are no semester limits, so seniors can continue to pursue higher education indefinitely if they choose to do so.
Visit Senior-Specific Meetups
Some organizations in the area host senior-specific meetup options. Your loved one should consider what types of activities they enjoy and find meetups for those. If you need some inspiration, try the Senior Connections Friendship Café.
This multi-location meetup helps older folks coordinate get-togethers at local meeting places, where they can enjoy lively conversation and brunch or lunch. In order to make sure that people are available for meetups, there is an application process to join the meetup list. However, applicants are always welcome to apply, and there is no fee to participate.
All meals are carefully curated to meet the dietary needs of seniors, and activities are often available, such as art classes or listening to a speaker.
Use Senior Organizations
Many local entities offer organized meetups for fun activities and getting to know others. For example, the SCNOVA Pickleball & Golf Festival 2025 is right around the corner; this event has been running for four years. Not only is it a fun golf simulation, but it also offers pickleball (either beginner help if you are new or tournaments if you already play). This event offers fun and friendship while raising money for non-profits that support seniors aging in place. Here’s what you need to know:
- Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM EDT
- Location: Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa (13037 Worldgate Dr, Herndon, VA 20170)
- Cost: $65.00 per person
- Registration: Available via Microsoft Forms
If the pickleball and golf portions are not of particular interest, there are also specialty raffle baskets, silent auctions, and refreshments, allowing anyone to mix, mingle, and make new friends. There are no rules that require participation in any of the activities; some seniors simply enjoy people-watching and taking in the lively spirit of events like this one.
Cultivate Community Support
Does your neighborhood have a community garden? If so, seniors are welcome to participate. If not, consider starting one of your own. A community garden benefits from the cooperative efforts of many people and can help feed those who are struggling to pay their bills.
If gardening is too physically intensive for your loved one, there are still many ways to participate in neighborhood community and create purpose with a group of peers. Consider making a Little Free Library, where used books are free for the taking, and stock it with books your family has already completed. Groups can meet up to build the little libraries, paint them, and install them in easily accessible places.
Join Clubs
Local clubs are specifically designed for group activities, making them an ideal place to look. Club focuses can range from books and movies to tabletop RPGs and archery, so consider what your loved one enjoys; there is probably a local group for it.
If not, virtual clubs also exist! Join a related Discord, message board, or Reddit to share thoughts and spend time with like-minded people. Studies show that older individuals reap many of the same benefits from online socialization as they do from in-person meetups, making this a viable option for creating a meaningful group identity.
Don’t Let Age Limit Your Fun!
Group activities can bring joy and enrichment to a person’s life, and getting older does not need to put a damper on participation. Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, Reston, and other communities. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you.