Older Adult 55+ Programs
The Social Participation Resource Guide provides older adults (55+) information on how to access various programs and services within the City of Hamilton.
Download Guide or pick up a copy at any Hamilton Recreation Centre.
Programs for everyone
City of Hamilton’s Recreation Division is proud to support a wide diversity in programs and services for older adults!
Recreation Programs and Services in Hamilton
Social Participation is an important component of healthy aging, and identified as a goal in Hamilton’s Plan for an Age Friendly Community . The Social Participation Resource Guide provides older adults (55+) information on how to access various programs and services within the City of Hamilton, offered by a number of community organizations or groups. Download Guide or pick up a copy at any Hamilton Recreation Centre.
Program models and services supported by the Recreation Division may differ based on community need, current collaborations with other organizations, and the ability to leverage volunteer capacity or alternative sources of funding.
Some services may require a membership to access programs and are identified below. Other services may offer a membership to provide a discounted option to paying daily admission fees. Multiple membership options assist with keeping costs low and provide flexibility for participants to only pay for the services they require.
Recreation Division supports the following older adult programs and services in Hamilton:
Seniors Centres are dedicated recreation facilities for 55+ programs. Centres are operated by City staff with programs offered in collaboration with the centre Seniors Board. Seniors Boards set their own prices for programs to recover instructor and program costs, and program prices are subject to change. Registered programs can be accessed by using the Recreation Division’s registration software.
An Older Adult 55+ Senior Centre Membership is required to access or register in most programs or services at seniors centre locations. Flamborough Seniors Centre (FSC) offers a lower cost club card option valid only at FSC.
Seniors Clubs are locations with an active Seniors Board to provide programs and services. Programs are often dependent on volunteer convenors and instructors to assist in organizing and offering programs. Seniors Boards set their own prices for programs to recover instructor and program costs, with cash paid directly to the instructor each class. Some programs may require registration in advance or may be full and participants should reach out to the club directly for more information.
A Seniors Club Location Membership is required to access programs offered. Memberships can be purchased in-person directly from the club (cash only).
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls provides free recreation programs from the comfort of your home. Join us over the phone!
Program Schedule
Starting January 3, 2025
If you need a printed copy of the schedule, you can request one at any Senior Centre location.
Seniors Centre Without Walls is funded by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, Seniors Active Living Grant.
Registered, virtual fitness programs are offered by City of Hamilton fitness instructors. These programs use a video call platform on your computer or handheld device.
How to Register
- Find program offerings
- Select “Virtual” in the Adult 55+ section
- Review program details and click “register”
- Login and follow the registration steps
- Information on how to access the program will be sent to the email address associated with your account within 48-72 hours before the class takes place.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Don’t have an account?
Explore & Register for Virtual Programs
NOTE: Information on how to access the program will be sent to the email address associated with your account within 48-72 hours before the class takes place. Questions? Email [email protected]
Adults 55+ can participate in registered recreation programs offered at recreation and community centres across Hamilton, including programs for all ages. Participants aged 55+ are eligible for a 20% discount on most registered, instructed programs. The discount is applied at the time of registration.
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre also offers low-cost registered classes specifically for participants aged 55+, thanks to funding received from the Province of Ontario.
Registered programs can be viewed and booked through the Recreation Division’s registration system.
No membership is required to participate in registered programs at recreation or community centre locations.
Some recreation facilities offer drop-in programs specifically for 55+ participants, in addition to programs for all ages and adults. Program options typically include:
- Badminton 55+
- Basketball 55+
- Games and Social 55+
- Open Skate 55+
- Open Swim 55+
- Pickleball 55+
- Shinny 55+ and 65+
- Volleyball 55+
- Fitness classes
- Targeted Initiative Fitness 55+ (such as Chair Fit, Cardio Balance and Strength, Cardio Dance, Tai Chi)
- Water Fit (all ages)
Participants can review programs and schedules for a facility or program by searching online.
Daily admission fees apply for programs. No membership is required to access drop in programs, however memberships are available for the following services to provide unlimited access at a lower cost: Drop in Swim & Gym Membership, Water Fit Membership, & Skating Membership.
YWCA Hamilton
The CIty of Hamilton is pleased to support the YWCA with annual grants to support the delivery of programs and services for older adults 55+. Senior Centre Memberships purchased at the YWCA or City of Hamilton facilities are valid across City of Hamilton Senior Centre locations and the following YWCA sites:
- Putman Family YWCA Active Living Centre – 52 Ottawa St North, Hamilton
- YWCA Active Living Centre – MacNab Street – 75 MacNab St South, Hamilton
Information on YWCA programs or services can be access at 905-529-7727 or www.ywcahamilton.org
Community Rentals
Programs and services may be offered within recreation facilities or seniors centre and club locations through community rentals by individuals or organizations. These programs are organized by the user group, with separate procedures for registration or accessing programs. Programs are offered advertised on community boards at the facility or to active members.
The Recreation Division is pleased to provide discounts on rental fees for user groups offering free or low cost services for older adults in Hamilton. Groups interested in offering a program, service, or workshop within recreation facilities can book space by completing a rental application form or through our online registration system.
The City of Hamilton would like to gratefully acknowledge the Province of Ontario, Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility who generously provide funding through the Seniors Active Living Grant (SALC). This grant funding is used to offset facility and staff expenses, and in combination with City of Hamilton tax levy operating budgets, is able to ensure older adult programs and services remain affordable and accessible. SALC grant funding supports the following locations and programs:
- Ada Bland Club 60
- Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre
- Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre
- Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre / Dundas Seniors Club
- Main Hess Seniors Club
- Rosedale Seniors Club
- Sackville Seniors Centre
- Winona Seniors Club
The Province of Ontario publishes a Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors intended to be a helpful resource for older adults aged 55+ to connect with government programs and services.