Bradenton/Sarasota may not be a large metropolitan area, but we’re fortunate to have the cultural options found in cities and the year-round natural beauty that this state has to offer. If you’re an older adult living in this area either year-round or as a “snowbird,” here are some ways to stay busy while enriching your body and mind.
- Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning (SILL). Sarasota is home to retired professionals who have traveled the world working in jobs like the foreign service, politics, the media, and the performing arts. So, it’s no surprise that an organization like Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning would do so well here. SILL offers lectures on global affairs and musical performances; some upcoming lectures include “The Continuing Crisis With North Korea,” “Does the Constitution Still Matter for Us?” and “Current Issues in U.S. Intelligence.” Lectures are available in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. All programs are $10 each.
- Ringling Museum. If you haven’t yet visited the Ringling Museum, or it’s been awhile, it’s time to make a day trip again. This cultural gem has a prized collection of Renaissance art, but also pays homage to the circus history roots of the area. When you visit, you can also tour Ca’d’Zan, the former home of John Ringling and his wife Mable, and walk the beautiful Ringling grounds, including its rose garden. The Ringling also has three different dining options, including the critically-acclaimed Muse Restaurant.
- South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium. Get your hands on natural history at South Florida Museum in downtown Bradenton. Museum exhibits include fossils and information on the state’s early marine and mammal life as well as archaeological materials and a colorful history display. Bishop Planetarium features daily shows as well as lectures, live shows, and digital art performances. The Parker Manatee Aquarium features three live manatees and was once home to Snooty, the oldest known manatee in the world. After your visit to the museum, enjoy a stroll along downtown Bradenton’s Riverwalk.
- Downtown Farmers Market. In this state, we brave the sweltering summer, but in return we have pleasant winters that allow the state’s agriculture to thrive. We have has long been home to citrus, and it also has a thriving strawberry market as well as increasingly large blueberry and avocado crops. See and savor the state’s agricultural bounty and lots more at the Sarasota Downtown Farmers Market, held year-round from 7 am to 1 pm in downtown. The market is the largest in our area and it welcomes local produce growers as well plant vendors, honey, hot food, fresh juices, arts and crafts, and music. If you like farmers markets, look beyond the downtown market and explore the downtown Bradenton market, Central Sarasota farmers market, Venice farmers market, Nokomis farmers market, and several others.
Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Financial Management
At Secure Aging, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.
