Have you ever been told you’re too old to play? Well, you may be surprised to know that play may actually maintain cognitive health.
One SATX nonprofit is proving just that with its Seniors in Play (SIP) program — originally founded in 2017 by award-winning actor Tony Plana.
In partnership with Senior Planet San Antonio, Gonzaba Foundation for Healthier Communities, and Bexar County, SIP focuses on utilizing the performing arts to develop senior citizens’ well-being.
How it works
- All classes are free of charge and are now offered at six senior centers across SATX.
- Intro classes are offered on Mondays + Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (These classes are available to those new to acting — or who are a bit rusty — and would like to gain the confidence to speak in front of an audience.)
- Intermediate/Advanced classes are offered on Wednesdays + Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- All classes are open to those ages 50+.
Nervous about who you’re going to meet? You can check out the student page and get to know your fellow classmates by reading their biographies.
Founder Tony Plana starring in Ugly Betty. | 📸 : Richard Sandoval, via Wikimedia Commons
Not really into this sort of ‘scene’? Senior Planet also offers several other free programming events + classes.
Here are just a few to check out:
- Wellness Wednesday | Wed., May 25 | 2 p.m. | Virtual, or by phone | Celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day by grooving to the oldies, hula hooping for health + cooling down with a good stretch. 💪
- Introduction to Hosting on Zoom | Thurs., May 26 | 9 a.m. | Virtual | Learn all the tips + tricks you need to host your first virtual meeting with step-by-step instructions. 🖥️
- Virtual Orientation to Senior Planet | Fri., May 27 | 11:30 a.m. | Virtual, or by phone | Join this orientation to learn about what it has to offer. 👋
