We know that write a lot about young professional events, brewery yoga, or what to do with your children over the weekend, but some of our favorite topic suggestions are from those who have retired here, or are simply lifelong residents.

So this one is for our golden readers, with some extra time to spend.

Learn Something New:

📝 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI): Furman offers almost 100 courses. They range every subject imaginable, like Beginning Latin, Life of Frank Sinatra, Adobe Lightroom 6 Basics, Forgotten Stars of Major League Baseball. Browse the course offerings here (fall 2017 classes start September 11). Wofford also has similar programs.

👩🏼‍🎓 These colleges all also have senior education programs (including Greenville Tech, Spartanburg Community College, and Clemson.)

📽 Upcountry History Museum: If you are a history buff, you’ll love spending your lunch hour at the lunchbox learning presentations, which cover topics like Greenville’s involvement in WWI or the history of the Textile Crescent. Feeling nostalgic? Check out Friday Flicks, hosted by OLLI Instructor/retired teacher Judy Aten, who explores Katharine Hepburn films.

Move To The Music:

💃🏾 Switch up date night, Dirty Dancing style. Try a dance at the popular Greenville Swing if you’re feeling adventurous, or have a classic ballroom dancing lesson at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

🎶 Upstate Senior Band: Dust off your trumpet and get ready to rock. If you are 55+ and have played a musical instrument, bring your instrument to Tuesday morning rehearsals from 9 – 11 a.m., at 50 Directors Dr. in Greenville.

Explore + Travel:

🌍 Ray Hopkins Senior Center: Mauldin’s Rec Center offers group activities like poker, tai chi, and dominoes and organizes day trips to local cultural events and fun downtown spots. Here’s the September calendar.

🍜 Not all exploring requires leaving the area. Test your kitchen expertise or master some basics at one of The Cook’s Station’s cooking classes for all levels. Jump in tomorrow with a Greek-themed class focused on healthy and easy dishes including lamb burgers and the perfect Tzatziki (and surprise everyone with your skills at the next family dinner).

If you want to see more Upstate Senior Services and Organizations in an interactive map from Ten at the Top, click here.

Sweat It Out

👟 Bon Secours LifeWise Senior Program: LifeWise offers educational programs, social meetups, and trips to places like Asheville and Savannah.

👟 Greenville Yoga offers classes accommodating all levels of experience and ability for a dose of exercise without the pressure or intensity of the gym. Stretch and learn with one of the studio’s friendly instructors at their weekday yoga for everyBODY classes.

👟 Greenville County Rec: If you love being active and outdoors, Greenville County Senior Games only costs $12 to participate in all the events including Disc Golf, Track & Field, Corn Hole, and more next April. If you have already gotten into the Pickleball trend (or are ready to start playing), check out the Upstate Pickleball schedule – you can play at a new place with a new partner every day if you want.

👟 YMCA Silver Sneakers: SC seniors with Humana Gold insurance have access to a free membership at the YMCA of Greenville, which offers senior-focused classes tailored for a variety of strengths and abilities so locals of every age can stay active and invest in their health.

Get Creative:

Senior Action: Try day classes like oil painting and Zumba or sign up for a week-long excursion to a new place (transportation included). Every second Wednesday of each month, meet at a local Greenville restaurant for “Indulge Your Taste Buds” or show up on Mondays for Ballroom Dancing classes.

There are some other benefits to being retired apart from having more free time for hobbies, travel, and family – most importantly (in my opinion): discounts + deals. Here are some of the best ones we’ve found. P.S. Always contact your local store or restaurant to see if these deals apply.

Publix has a 5% discount for ages 60+ every Wednesday.
CiCi’s Pizza has a 10% discount for seniors 60+ in South Carolina
Dunkin’ Donuts has an AARP member discount
Sonic has a 10% discount for seniors 60+ in South Carolina
Captain D’s Seafood has a discount available for senior citizens age 62+ in SC

Check out the full list here.

In the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Happy Hump Day, Greenville.

– Jordan