Photo Credit: YMCA of Greater HoustonEvents
YMCA of Greater Houston Unveils the Secret to Wellness and Aging During Healthy Aging Month
In honor of Healthy Aging Month, the YMCA of Greater Houston is unveiling the secret to wellness for adults 55 and better: stay active, socially engaged, and connected to a supportive community. According to the AARP Foundation, over 35% of adults aged 45 and older experience loneliness, a factor linked not only to mental health challenges but also to a higher risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. To help address this, the YMCA of Greater Houston is hosting a Senior Open House on September 10th, inviting adults 55 and better, including families and caretakers, to learn and explore how staying active, engaged, and socially connected to other community members can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
“Connection and engagement are at the core of everything we do at the YMCA of Greater Houston,” said Stephen Ives, president and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “Through our senior programming, ForeverWell, we’ve found a way to help older adults stay active, involved, and connected at every stage of life. We aim to give every adult 55 and better the opportunity to thrive, embrace new experiences, and build meaningful connections every day.”
Hosted at multiple YMCA locations across Greater Houston, the free event will feature vendor fairs with community partners, facility tours, education programs, program demonstrations, prize drawings and giveaways. To mark the occasion, attendees can also take advantage of a special promotion: Sign up as a YMCA facility member on September 10th and don’t pay dues until October 2025 with the promo code OPENHOUSE2025. Attendees are encouraged to check their local YMCA for timing and special activities.
ForeverWell: Your Gateway to the Secret of Wellness and Aging
- While the Open House is a first look, being part of an organization as an adult 55 and better means gaining access to ForeverWell, a year-round senior program designed to help seniors build relationships, find new hobbies, and create exciting ways to stay active and healthy during this next chapter of their lives. ForeverWell offers a variety of exciting programming, including:
- Fitness and Wellness: Unlimited access to group fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, Pilates, water aerobics, weight training, pickleball and more
- Clubs and Hobbies: Opportunities to join book clubs, gardening groups, mahjong tables, prayer circles, and volunteer projects that spark connection and purpose.
- Educational Classes: Technology training and skill-building workshops to help seniors feel confident and connected in a digital world.
- Special Events and Adventures:
- Exclusive outings like Be a Kid Again at Camp Cullen (October 15 or 16): This fun-filled day trip to YMCA Camp Cullen in Trinity, Texas proves you’re never too old for camp. Senior adults can dive into traditional camp activities or simply relax along the scenic shores of Lake Livingston. The trip includes a continental breakfast, hot lunch, s’mores, snacks for the ride home, and a souvenir T-shirt. Registration closes October 7.
- Dancing with the Silver Stars (Check back in spring 2026 for the event date): A lively annual event hosted by the YMCA of Greater Houston, celebrating friendly competition amongst Houston adults 55 and better through choreographed dance!
By being a ForeverWell member, they not only enjoy these activities but also experience some of the following benefits that make the “secret to wellness and aging” real:
- Physical: Adults 55 and older are at a higher risk for falls. Regular physical activity is proven to improve strength and flexibility, which leads to improved balance and coordination.
- Mental: Participating in regular physical activity can also lead to improved mental health and cognitive function.
- Social: Maintaining strong social connections is important for older adults. Our group exercise classes and social and learning opportunities provide a great opportunity to meet new friends and to build connections.
The YMCA of Greater Houston accepts SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and Silver & Fit fitness programs for seniors through various Medicare plans, making its programs even more accessible to senior adults.
Communities are stronger when all have the chance to succeed. In 2024, over 50,000 older adults were members of the YMCA of Greater Houston. With such a welcoming community, the Senior Open House is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the YMCA of Greater Houston’s programs, meet the staff, and experience firsthand how the nonprofit supports social connection, physical, mental and healthy aging in the community.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Houston, the Senior Open House, and the ForeverWell programs for seniors 55 and better, please visit ymcahouston.org and follow the organization on Facebook @YMCAHouston and Instagram @YMCAHouston.
Source: YMCA of Greater Houston
