There are many opportunities for seniors in Federal Way to connect.
The Senior Advisory Commission hosted their second Senior Commission Connection on Nov. 15. Over sandwiches, cookies and coffee, attendees caught up with friends and listened to a presentation by the Arts Commission.
“Over 50 members of the senior community were in attendance, and new and old relationships were grown,” said Amy Glandon, executive assistant to the City Council.
The Senior Advisory Commission has only been a fixture of the Federal Way community since late 2019. Two of their accomplishments have been publishing a Senior Resource Guide and holding a Senior Resource Fair. The commission is working on their next installment of these two lifelines for seniors in the area.
The second Senior Health and Resource Fair will be taking place on May 16 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC). Last year’s event had 45 local vendors and over 200 attendees, Glandon said.
The Senior Advisory Commission is also looking toward their retreat coming up on Feb. 28 at Dumas Bay Centre where they will be editing their new 2024 Senior Resource Guide for a new printing. The retreat will include team building and additional commission business.
For the holidays, they will be partnering with the Federal Way Senior Center to help fill goodie bags that they will be handing out.
Look out for the next Senior Advisory Commission event, which will take place on Dec. 20 in the senior lounge of the Federal Way Community Center. The upcoming event will feature a special guest: Mayor Jim Ferrell. The event will also include “an opportunity for the seniors in attendance to get to know their mayor a little bit better,” as well as some festive activities and treats.
More events for seniors in Federal Way
The community center hosts a variety of day and overnight trips for seniors and also offers the option to support groups that are interested in planning their own trips. For this personalized touch, they require a group of four or more.
The community center also offers a variety of physical fitness opportunities that also make a great opportunity for social connection.
• Open pickleball: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to all levels of play. Played in doubles format, this exciting paddle sport is a mixture of tennis, badminton and ping pong. There is a $3 drop-in fee per day.
• Line dancing: Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Learn the basics of line dancing. Don’t miss your chance to get some exercise and meet some new people. Everyone is welcome. Please wear comfortable shoes. There is a $2 drop in fee per class.
• Tai chi: Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. There is a $2 drop-in fee per class.
• Qigong: Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. This class will teach basic breathing exercises to help circulate your body’s energy and help with relaxation. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. There is a $2 drop-in fee per class.
• Mindful meditation: Fridays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Mindfulness, Meditation and Gentle Movement (Tai Chi). There is a $2 drop-in fee per class.
Transportation
If you are interested in attending one of these community events in town but need help with transportation, there are many resources in Federal Way.
• Public transit with the ORCA card: The Senior Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) is available to those who are 65+, riders with a disability and Medicare card holders to access regional transit for only $1 per ride. For questions about the card, call 888-988-6722. For help with planning a trip, call 206-553-3000.
• Hyde Shuttles: Free shuttle service in King County. Call 206-727-6262 no later than 12 p.m. one day before you need the ride to book your trip. Trips can be booked up to 30 days in advance.
• Volunteer transportation: Volunteer Transportation program provides free, personalized, and safe transportation to essential healthcare appointments and needs. The team consists of over 160 volunteers who dedicate their time to assisting older adults with limited transportation options. Our volunteer drivers are compassionate and patient, and will wait with the client until they are ready to return home. Call 206-448-5740 or 800-282-5815 to schedule. Rides must be called in the Tuesday prior to any appointments the following week. Scheduling hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Caregivers or family may ride with prior notice. Trip details must be ready when calling and all rides are dependent upon driver availability.
