Keeping active is important at any age, particularly as we get older to maintain our health and reduce the risk of disease. It’s never too late to start getting out and about more, and these activities in and around Oxfordshire can help older adults get active, socialise, and have fun.
Our guide for activities for the elderly in Oxfordshire includes something for everyone, ranging from health walks and fitness classes to social groups for all sorts of hobbies and interests.
Whether you want to walk with the Oxford Ramblers or sing your heart out with the Tuneless Choir, older people from all walks of life will find an engaging activity to suit their interests.
Museums and Art Galleries
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, its collections range from Egyptian mummies to modern art. Explore the world-famous collections or enjoy the Rooftop Restaurant for lunch or afternoon tea. Admission to the Ashmolean is free and the museum is fully accessible with a level access entry, seating throughout the museum and lifts to all floors and all public spaces. Limited wheelchairs and folding stools are available to borrow.
Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces that features an art gallery with changing exhibitions. The museum provides a variety of educational experiences for visitors of all ages, using art and creativity to reach thousands of people from Oxfordshire and beyond every year. All of the museum’s three floors are accessible by lift, and large print exhibition guides and information for visitors with visual impairments are available.
The Museum of Oxford’s Older People’s Programme
Moments and Memories is the Museum’s Older People’s Programme, offering fun activities and events for older people that offer a chance to socialise and meet others. Sessions are free but must be booked in advance. All activities are welcoming and accessible.
- Memory Lane – Themed reminiscent sessions on topics where older adults can share their stories and enjoy a warm drink afterwards.
- Movers and Shakers – Gentle dance exercise led by a dance tutor.
- Tea and Talk – Enjoy a cup of tea with others in a friendly environment.
The Story Museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience where people of all ages can celebrate stories through immersive exhibitions, gallery spaces and events. All spaces, including galleries, café and gift and book shops, are fully accessible for wheelchair users. There are three lifts offering access to all floors.
Parks & Gardens
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
The University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden is a serene place for nature lovers. Explore over 130 acres of the world’s rare and endangered trees alongside tranquil British woodland and open meadows. Free tickets are available for those who are registered disabled and their carers. Everyone is welcome to join the free Insight Tours at the Arboretum on the first Wednesday of every month.
A peaceful riverside open space ideal for strolls and picnics. The meadow is open during daylight hours and entry is free of charge. You can learn more about the meadow and its wildlife, including Christ Church’s herd of pedigree Old English Longhorn cattle, through the Meadow Trail. The rustic paths of the Meadow Trail are clean and well-maintained, allowing easy access for people with limited mobility.
Barracks Lane Community Garden
Barracks Lane Community Garden is a beautiful green space run by volunteers from the local community. The garden hosts many events, demonstrations and workshops open to the public throughout the year. People of all ages can get involved by volunteering or simply enjoying the garden, and many groups meet there regularly, including a singing group. The Garden is fully accessible if you are using a wheelchair or have limited mobility.
People from all walks come to the Oxford City Farm to share their skills and reconnect with nature. There are Community Farming and Open Farm Sessions that offer volunteering opportunities for all ages. Get involved with some hands-on jobs or simply enjoy the space and connect with others.
Cultural & Religious Activities
The Chipping Norton Theatre is a mixed art venue where you can enjoy theatre performances, take classes or attend workshops. ‘Relaxed’ screenings and performances are offered regularly. These are open to all but with changes made to be accessible for people who might find a standard theatre experience challenging. This includes softening loud noises and avoiding sudden or surprising moments. Tickets for carers are free for these performances.
Elderly people with an interest in aviation will enjoy the Brize Norton Aviation Group. The group meets once a month to meet new friends, connect with others and share their passion for all things aviation.
Wesley Memorial Church Coffee Morning
Every Wednesday morning, Wesley Memorial Church serves coffee and tea to the public from 10 to 12. This is a very popular meeting place for friends each week. There is also a weekly craft and chat on Tuesday mornings from 10 am to 12 noon.
TeaBooks
TeaBooks is an Oxfordshire-wide project organising social book groups for over-60s. These groups are intended to help older people who love reading share their passion and make new friends. Each local group liaises with their local library to borrow the books, so there is no need to purchase the books. The groups meet once a month, and there is a nominal charge of £1 per meeting.
The Meet Me programme is a social group for older adults that offers many informative and fun meet-ups for older adults across the Oxford University Gardens, Libraries and Museums. These events take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2 – 4 pm. Events are free and usually around 2 hours. Space is limited, so be sure to book beforehand.
The NOA Art Group is a small group meeting every Wednesday morning from 10 to 12 to paint and draw, either from a Still Life or personal photos. Every participant is encouraged to use their own chosen medium. There is no instruction but mutual help and encouragement are plentiful. There is no fee to attend sessions, although voluntary contributions are accepted.
Women’s Afternoon Fellowship – Oxford
An Oxford-based women’s fellowship where women meet to talk, pray, sing and learn from the bible. The group meets at St Ebbes Church at 2 pm on Thursday afternoons and newcomers are always welcome.
Hobbies & Interests
The Silver Shakers is an inclusive group of men and women (aged 50+) who enjoy coming together to dance and socialise. The group meets on Mondays at 10.15 -11.15 am, followed by refreshments. The dance activities are designed to be inclusive to people of all physical abilities. All exercises can be done sitting or standing.
Dance for Parkinson’s offers high-quality dance classes for people with Parkinson’s, their family, friends and carers. The dances are designed to prompt physical and mental well-being, along with encouraging fun and socialisation. Classes are £5 per person including carers, friends and family, or £50 per person if paying in advance for the full ten weeks.
Dance Creative is a registered charity based in Oxfordshire specialising in working with older communities and people with physical and mental health conditions. They offer weekly creative dance classes followed by social time and refreshments. Weekly classes are also available online.
Bring your knitting, crochet, papercraft, sewing or other crafts to The Clockhouse Greater Leys and enjoy a chat amongst friends. Beginners and people of all skill levels are welcome.
The Oxford Ornithological Society offers birdwatching outings and talks for nature enthusiasts. Indoor meetings are held once a month and field outings to good birdwatching areas most months.
Tea Dance – Oxford
Get your dancing shoes and head to Oxford Town Hall for a tea dance. Tea dances are held in their stunning main hall and refreshments are provided. Tickets are available at the door.
The Tuneless Choir is a singing group for people who love singing but lack the ability or confidence to do so. This group sings purely for fun and there is no pressure to improve. Singing groups are run for volunteers across the country and you can use their website to find a group in your local area.
AgeUK Oxfordshire runs a free and friendly telephone service from a caring, trained volunteer for older adults who feel lonely. Phone calls can be scheduled at the same time each week.
A social group from Oxford for people 60 years or older that meet every Monday 12 pm-1 pm on Zoom for fun and socialisation. The group meets face to face three times a year – for a BBQ, afternoon tea and Christmas.
Cutteslowe Seniors is a thriving social and educational club for local people aged 60+ that alternates social meetings with outings to places of interest. They meet every second and fourth Friday morning of the month, alternating a social meeting
The Umbrella Club is a community group for like-minded older men to socialise, connect and explore interests. The club runs at the Barton Community Centre from 1 pm to 3 pm. This club is aimed at older gentlemen and provides them with a place to socialise, play board games and enjoy refreshments.
Health & Wellness
The Oxford Dementia Cafe is a safe and supportive environment for everyone with memory problems and for their carers on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. These cafes are a great way for people to enjoy socialisation and get involved with stimulating activities. The cafe is run by trained and supportive volunteers. The cafe is free to attend.
Walking Netball offers a fun way to keep fit whilst enjoying some socialisation. Walking Netball is ideal for older adults as someone can start gently and build up gradually, aiming to do a little more each session. These sessions are offered all over Oxfordshire.
The Silver Joggers is a mixed group of sociable runners of all abilities and ages. For older adults interested in jogging, Silver Joggers offers an opportunity for beginners to start their running career under the watchful eye of trained leaders. Two runs are held each Thursday morning – one a bit more strenuous than the other. Runs are free, although registration is necessary.
Usually aimed at people over 50, walking football is a fun and sociable version of the game where only walking is allowed. This results in the game being slow-paced but lacking none of the passion or excitement of the original game. Indoor and outdoor sessions are available all across Oxfordshire.
These health walks are the perfect way for older adults to spend time outdoors and explore some of the many beautiful green spaces in and around Oxford. All walks are at a gentle pace and are guided by trained instructors. All walks are free with no need to book.
The Ramblers is a well-known walking group that offers a variety of activities including walks, related social activities and path maintenance work. The first three walks you participate in are free, giving older adults the chance to experience the group before committing.
This dementia-friendly, Oxford singing group uses a mixture of popular songs and hymns to provide an inclusive and exciting singing experience. The group is designed to help people with dementia connect with others and evoke memories. The group is held on the second Wednesday of every month and is free of charge.
The Garden Runners is an all ages, women-only running group suitable for both beginners and experienced runners. The group runs routes around Oxford, including parks and green areas. After the run, the group meets at the Garden Cafe for coffee and cake.
Over 50s table tennis
Table tennis for over 50s is offered at the Temple Cowley Church on Thursdays. Bats and balls are provided for free. Your first visit is free.
Nordic walking is an engaging form of physical exercise that combines the ease of walking with the upper body condition of Nordic skiing. The Nordic Walking Oxford group offers a fun way to learn the sport through beginner lessons. Everyone is welcome, although pre-registration is required.
Over 50s gentle Yoga at Clockhouse Greater Leys
Weekly yoga session for Leys area residents over 50 at the Clockhouse. No experience is necessary and this is a fun and sociable group designed to promote socialisation amongst members. The sessions are £3 each.
LivingFitness Over 50s weekly class
FunFit is a one-hour body-weight-based exercise class for anyone looking to improve strength, balance and coordination. Each exercise is simple and easy to learn, with modifications for every physical ability.
The Joy Riders is a women’s cycling group that empowers women by introducing them to the joys of cycling. The group is open to women of all ages and skill levels, even those who are new to cycling. Rides are organised by trained volunteers and are free of charge.
Racketball for over 50s
Over 50s rackbell sessions are organised by GO Active and delivered by England Squash and Racketball. Sessions are held on Tuesdays at Ferry Leisure Centre. There is a £2.40 fee per person but the rackets and balls are available free of charge from reception.
Technology and Learning
University of the Third Age (U3A)
U3A offers a variety of activities for retired people, such as talks, events and trips, all of which normally take place in the daytime and are organised by members in small groups. Each local U3A branch is home to many activity groups covering hundreds of different subjects. The only requirement for membership is that you are no longer working full-time. In Oxford, three terms of weekly talks are held on Thursday afternoons at Rewley House Lecture Hall at Oxford’s Department of Continuing Education.
For older people who may find it challenging to use digital devices, Age UK offers an IT gadget drop-in session. All are welcome and no booking is required. Volunteers are available to help people with questions on how to use a laptop, smartphone or tablet. Sessions are held monthly at Oxford County Library.
Learn more about Oxford Aunts
Oxford Aunts is a fully-managed and CQC-regulated care provider located in the heart of Oxford. We have provided care services throughout Oxfordshire and surrounding counties for over 50 years. Our reputation is built on high standards of care, local expertise and an approach to care delivery trusted by families throughout our community and beyond.
We are dedicated to ensuring people of all ages and walks of life can receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. Do not hesitate to contact us to learn how we can help you and your family.
