10 Ways Older Adults Can Stay Connected

This Summer in Steamboat Springs

Summer in the Yampa Valley offers more than sunshine and fresh air—it’s a season brimming with community, creativity, and connection. For older adults, staying socially engaged is crucial to maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Thankfully, Steamboat Springs makes it easy to do just that with events and activities that foster friendships, movement, and joy.

Here are 10 wonderful ways your elderly loved ones can stay connected all summer long:

1. Make Memories at the Yampa Valley Memory Café 

When: First Monday of the month, 1–2:30 pm

Where: Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church

Hosted by Blue Skies Nursing, the Memory Café is a welcoming space for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Held on the first Friday of each month at the Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church, the café features themed activities, music, games, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.

Don’t miss the next Memory Café on Monday, July 7! Celebrate all things America with favorite Fourth of July traditions, patriotic music, classic games, and stories from summers past.

Upcoming Memory Cafés:

Monday, Jul 7, 2025

Monday, Aug 4, 2025

Monday, Sep 8, 2025

Monday, Oct 6, 2025

Monday, Nov 3, 2025

Monday, Dec 1, 2025

2. Get Your Hands Dirty at Social Gardening

When: Wednesdays, 9 am-Noon

Where: Yampa River Botanic Park

There’s nothing quite like tending to flowers while making new friends. Join the crew at the Yampa River Botanic Park every Wednesday through October. No experience is required—just bring gloves, sunscreen, and a willingness to dig in. Laughter and companionship are included at no additional cost.

3. Bridge the Gap at Steamboat Bridge Club

When & Where: Mondays at the Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church at 1 pm | Wednesdays & Fridays at the Community Center at 1 pm

Card games aren’t just about strategy—they’re about connection. The Steamboat Springs Bridge Club meets three times a week. All skill levels are welcome. RSVP at BridgeInSteamboat@gmail.com and let the games begin.

4. Move Gently with Low-Impact Aquatic Exercise Classes

When: Check the class schedule at Old Town Hot Springs

Where: Old Town Hot Springs

Whether you're doing jumping jacks in the shallow end or floating with resistance gloves, water-based workouts are joint-friendly and surprisingly fun. Old Town Hot Springs offers a variety of water aerobics classes, including Fit for Life and H2O Deep. These classes cater to all fitness levels and provide a great opportunity to socialize while staying strong.

5. Listen to soothing sounds at Music on the Green

When: Wednesdays, 10:00–10:45 am

Where: Yampa River Botanic Park

A peaceful walk through the gardens with live music as your soundtrack? Yes, please. Strings Music Festival partners with Yampa River Botanic Park every Wednesday for Music on the Green, featuring short, sweet concerts that blend culture with nature—perfect for an uplifting midweek outing.

6. Dance (or Tap Your Toes) at Keepin’ It Free Summer Concerts

When: Fridays & Saturdays throughout summer. Concert line up at https://keepinitfree.com/

Where: Howelsen Hill - Base of the Ski Jumps

Big names, blue skies, and even bigger community vibes—this free concert series at Howelsen Hill is a must. Grab a lawn chair, bring a friend, and get ready for an evening of music and mingling.

7. Explore the Main Street Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm

Where: Yampa Street between 5th & 8th

From fresh produce to live music and craft booths, the Farmers Market is a Saturday staple. It's an excellent place for seniors to reconnect with familiar faces and sample a taste of Steamboat's local charm.

8. Attend a Strings Music Festival Show

Prefer a more intimate music setting? The Strings Pavilion presents concerts with exceptional acoustics and a genre-spanning lineup featuring world-class classical performances and contemporary favorites. Find a show that suits your style and enjoy a night out on the town. Summer 2025 shows at https://stringsmusicfestival.com/

9. Connect Through Volunteering

Summer is a great time to give back. Whether it’s helping out at the Botanic Park, becoming a Mainstreet Steamboat ambassador at the Farmers Market, or assisting at community events, volunteering keeps seniors active, purposeful, and connected to others.

10. Start a Social Walking Group or Host a Backyard Gathering

Combine the benefits of movement and connection by organizing a casual walking group—whether it’s a stroll on the Core Trail, around the neighborhood, or through the Botanic Park. Add a social twist with a stop for coffee or a simple backyard gathering after. Even a glass of lemonade and good conversation go a long way in boosting connection and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Summer is the perfect season for older adults to bloom right alongside the wildflowers. Whether it’s through music, movement, markets, or meaningful conversations, Steamboat Springs offers a bounty of opportunities to stay engaged and joyful. Invite your elderly loved ones to try something new—connection is just around the corner.

Together... we've got this!