As a collectively active, creative, and eco-friendly city, the people of Portland are encouraged to lead vibrant, healthy lives. Beyond its beautiful natural scenery, Portland is full of stunning arts and charming local businesses, attracting more people to the area each year.
While the city of Portland is now known for its hipster culture, it also takes pride in its thriving senior community. So, there’s no shortage of senior-friendly activities throughout the area. Below, you’ll find a collection of Portland attractions for seniors to suit a variety of interests. From staying physically fit to building valuable social connections, the seniors of Portland stay active in their community.
Take a Walk Through the Lan Su Chinese Garden
RA Natural Escape From The Bustle of Portland
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a hugely popular Portland attraction. For both locals and visitors, this botanical garden provides a space to appreciate nature and Chinese culture. For seniors, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a tranquil place to walk through and explore, either alone or with loved ones.
While there are many Chinese gardens throughout the United States, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of the most authentic. Based on the Ming Dynasty gardens of China, it stays true to traditional Chinese culture and tradition through nature, architecture, and harmonious design.
Seniors can also enjoy the many events hosted at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Yang Style Tai Chi, Feng Shui presentation, calligraphy, notebook brush painting, live music, and family craft activities are all examples of senior-friendly activities available at the gardens. By attending these events, seniors can make meaningful connections and learn more about Chinese culture.
Check Out Senior Recreation Activities
Portland Parks and Rec Offers Something For Everyone
Portland Parks and Recreation offers a wide selection of educational, recreational, and wellness activities for seniors. By taking advantage of these events and activities, seniors can forge social connections, learn more about the Portland community, and stay physically active.
Examples of wellness classes available to seniors through Portland Recreation include:
- Yoga
- Cardio classes
- Zumba
- Water fitness
- Tai Chi
- Hikes
- Snowshoeing
- Walking tours
Some Portland seniors struggle with medical conditions that make it more difficult to breathe easily during exercise. But, all seniors should get the chance to enjoy the sports and wellness classes offered by Portland Parks and Rec. An oxygen concentrator is a great way for seniors to conveniently receive oxygen therapy and continue to participate in their favorite activities.
Excursions to various places across the city are also available to seniors through Portland Parks and Recreation. Examples of these outings include:
- A behind-the-scenes tour of the Oregon Ballet Theatre and costume shop
- A tour of historic buildings in downtown Portland
- Trips to the Oregon Symphony
- Tea and animal therapy
- Supper clubs
- Cruise day trips
Visit The Portland Art Museum
World-Class Art Made Accessible to Everyone
The Portland Art Museum is the longest-standing art museum in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1892, the early vision of the museum was to make world-class art available to all of the members of the Portland community. The museum is settled right in the middle of downtown Portland, making it accessible from all of Portland by public transit.
The permanent collection on display at the Portland Art Museum contains a remarkable selection of Northwest portraiture, as well as works from Native American artists. At the museum, senior visitors can learn more about the cultures of American communities, including the Pacific Northwest, to form a deeper connection with their city.
The Portland Art Museum offers discounted admission to seniors aged 62 and older. Seniors may also consider becoming a member of the museum for yearly access and invitations to exclusive events, lectures, and viewings.
The goal of the Portland Art Museum is to enrich the lives of all Portlanders with a rich, varied collection of top-caliber art. With discounted senior admission and accessibility accommodations available, seniors can make the most of this popular Portland institution.
Explore The Famous Pearl District
Arts, Shopping, and Charming Cafes
The Pearl district is a lively and bustling Portland neighborhood that seniors should be sure not to miss. Whether you’re up for a leisurely day of shopping or a get-together with friends over coffee, the Pearl district offers up multiple blocks of charming shops and eateries. Pearl district is also wonderfully walkable and accessible from virtually anywhere in Portland, making it a great choice for seniors with limited mobility.
The Pearl district is buzzing with all sorts of thriving small businesses that Portlanders have come to love. Here are a few that shouldn’t be missed:
- Powell’s City of Books
- Sammy’s Flowers
- Tea Hunter Company
- Lovejoy Bakers
- Hotlips Pizza
- The Cookie Dough Cafe
- Caffe Umbria
The Pearl district is also home to some of the city’s top art galleries. Seniors can make a day of visiting a handful of galleries to experience an eclectic mix of artistic work from local talents.
Leading Pearl District galleries include:
- Gallery 114
- ArtReach Gallery
- Adrianne Feldstein Art
- Gallery IDL
- Upfor Gallery
Also, be sure to check out the “Art in the Pearl” Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. Put on each year on Labor Day weekend. This community art festival brings together more than 100 artists to display and sell a diverse array of work, with a World Music Stage providing live music and theater for visitors to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Portlanders take pride in their city. As such, the senior community in this dynamic region is supported, encouraged, and cared for. As a senior Portlander, be sure to check out the events and attractions listed above as you stay active and involved in older age.
Sources:
- Benedetti, Annette. “Things to Do When Grandparents Visit.” Red Tricycle, Red Tricycle, 6 Jan. 2020. https://redtri.com/portland/5-things-to-do-with-visiting-grandparents-in-portland/
- “Lan Su Chinese Garden.” Lan Su Chinese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden. https://lansugarden.org/
- “The Official Site of Portland’s Pearl District.” Explore The Pearl, Pearl District Business Association. https://explorethepearl.com/
- “Portland, Oregon.” Portland Art Museum, Portland Art Museum, 21 Jan. 2020. https://portlandartmuseum.org/
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
Surely there are most things for interesting adults than three items! I know Portland caters to youth but three things to do in Portland? Lots of us boomers have lived interesting lives and lived in the Bay Area too where there are all sorts of things to do for any age.