Activities & Recreation
The following list, while not complete, is a place to begin when looking for a variety of activities for older persons. Some activities are free, and some are not; costs vary.
Centers that offer fitness programs as their main focus or in addition to other activities for senior citizens are marked with an asterisk (*). The health and fitness clubs listed offer organized programs designed for seniors. Some charge both an initial enrollment fee and a monthly fee; others have an annual fee or charge by the class. Some offer senior discounts.
Some churches offer senior fitness classes and activities for people from the community. Some elderly-only public housing units also have activity centers that welcome members of the community as well as residents of the complexes. They offer a variety of activities, including occasional suppers, special and educational trips, classes, and communal volunteer opportunities. See "Housing" for locations and phone numbers. For a list of Knox County senior centers that offer a wide range of activities exclusively for seniors, see "Senior Centers."
Arnstein Jewish Community Center
690-6343
6800 Deane Hill Drive, 37919
Regular programs, including speakers, luncheons, classes, trips, and informal get-togethers. Individual and family counseling available, and eldercare consultations. Nonmembers welcome.
Arthritis Exercise *
470-7909
sponsored by the National Arthritis Foundation
Exercise program and aquatics classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout Knox County. Both exercise programs are designed specifically for those with arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. Both programs include gentle exercise and movements designed to decrease joint pain and stiffness by improving flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Call for current class schedules (number is for Arthritis Foundation). May be some cost for classes, depending on facility.
Baptist Senior Health Centers *
Offer a variety of health-care and related screenings, workshops, exercise classes, and support groups, all taking place in a physician’s office.
» website
Broadway 522-8922
Broadway Shopping Center, 2027 North Broadway, 37917
Norwood 281-2961
Norwood Shopping Center, 5541 Clinton Highway, 37912
West Hills 588-8143
West Hills Center, 7009 Kingston Pike, 37919
Baptist Senior Plus
632-5170
P.O. Box 1788, 37901
Free membership program focusing on healthy living for senior adults. Offers a variety of educational and social programs, health screenings and seminars, travel and tour opportunities, vision and dental plans, prescription and Lifeline discounts.
» website
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
524-8461
1927 Dandridge Avenue, 37916
Projects in oral history and reminiscence writing. Exhibits. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
» website
Body Recall *
A physical fitness/educational program of gentle exercise and movement developed for adults to improve muscle tone, flexibility, and strength. Classes three days/week in 10-week sessions. Low cost/donation; textbook required.
Church Street United Methodist Church 524-3048
900 Henley Street, 37902
Erin Presbyterian Church 588-5350
200 Lockett Road, 37919
Second Presbyterian Church 588-7533
2829 Kingston Pike, 37919
Trinity United Methodist Church 588-7533
5613 Western Avenue, 37921
Court South *
Water aerobics, exercise classes for seniors. Forever Fit includes aerobics, walking, strength training, wellness education, and social programs. Days vary. Membership fee.
» website
South 579-3600
2934 Alcoa Highway, 37920
North 688-3600
5621 Merchants Center Boulevard, 37912
West 470-3600
8511 Walbrook Drive, 37923
Covenant Health 50+ Fitness *
541-4500
A group fitness program designed just for seniors; includes low-impact aerobics, toning, and flexibility exercises. Classes throughout Knox and other counties. Call for class locations and schedules. Low cost.
» website
Covenant Health Passport
541-4500
1901 Clinch Avenue, 37916
Free membership program focusing on healthy living for adults 50+. Offers health screenings, seminars, and fitness programs; discounts on 50 Plus Fitness classes, parking at Fort Sanders Regional, and Lifeline; special social events for members; insurance counseling; and credit union membership.
» website
East District Tennessee Senior Olympics
671-2331
616 Commodore Lane, 37934
Olympic-style athletic event for adults age 50+. Events include golf, tennis, track and field, bowling, swimming, and many others. District events held each spring; winners qualify for state competition. Preregistration required.
» website
Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center *
531-5063
270 Fort Sanders West Boulevard, 37922
Senior Fitness class offers toning, cardiovascular activity, and “floor work.” Other classes that seniors enjoy include Aqua, Go Low, Jointercize, and yoga. Membership fee.
» website
Jump Start Health & Fitness Program *
687-4537
Associated Therapeutics, Inc.
2704 Mineral Springs Road, 37917
Aquatic exercise, strength and conditioning programs, weight management, Pilates, group fitness classes, yoga. Membership fee.
» website
Knox County Recreation Department
215-6600
2447 Sutherland Avenue, 37919
Offers activities, speakers, golf tournaments (fee), Junior/Senior golf tournament, at centers and county sites. Most activities are free or low cost.
» website
Knoxville City Recreation Department *
215-1414
400 Main Street, City-County Building, Room 303, 37902
Offers a variety of senior activities, including dances, field trips, arts and crafts, and exercise programs, at recreation centers. Indoor swimming pools at South Community and Dandridge Avenue centers. Most activities free or low cost.
» website
National Park Passes
1-888-275-8747
For seniors and persons with disabilities, Federal Recreation Pass programs offer lifetime entrance passes to most national parks and TVA campgrounds and to many other recreation areas that have entrance fees. Also provide 50-percent discount on some park fees for facilities and services such as swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours (some restrictions apply). Disabled persons of any age can get the Access Pass for free; must present proof of medically determined permanent disability. Persons age 62+ can get the Senior Pass for $10. Must present proof of age and residency. Must buy passes in person. Call or check web site for a list of locations.
» website
Never-Ever Tennis
539-6714
305 Seven Oaks Drive, 37922
Low-cost tennis classes each spring for seniors who have no or little experience. Also offers opportunities for anyone of any skill level to play or practice year round. No cost, but sometimes a minimal charge for indoor winter court fees.
St. Mary's Health & Fitness Center *
938-5015
7540 Dannaher Lane, Powell, 37849
Fitness program for people of all ages, but some classes for seniors only. Many types of exercise equipment and classes; program supervised by certified professional staff. Walking groups. Also provides community health education and exercise classes at various locations. Membership fee.
» website
St. Mary's Primelife for Seniors *
545-6741
900 E. Oak Hill Avenue, 37917
Free membership program focusing on healthy living for adults 50+. Offers educational and social programs, health screenings, free transportation to St. Mary’s facilities, valet parking discount, community help line, travel opportunities, quarterly newsletter, and area merchant discounts.
» website
Senior Centers *
For a list of Knox County senior centers that offer a wide range of activities just for seniors, see "Senior Centers."
Seniors for Creative Learning
974-0150
Sponsored by O’Connor Senior Center and UT Professional and Personal Development
Organization of seniors dedicated to learning and sharing their love of learning with others. Sessions are offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Membership fees.
Wesley House
524-5494
923 Dameron Avenue, 37921
Luncheons, trips, and planned activities. Low cost.
» website
YMCA *
Recreation; informal education. All branches offer exercise classes; most offer water aerobics. Active Older Adult classes, offered at locations around Knox County, are designed especially for seniors. Membership or pay-per-visit; financial aid available.
» website
Lindsay Young Downtown 522-9622
605 W. Clinch Avenue, 37902
Cansler Family 637-9622
616 Jessamine Street, 37917
Silver Sneakers, water aerobics, Go Low exercise.
Farragut Family 777-9622
10709 Kingston Pike, 37934
Silver Sneakers, senior yoga. No pool.
Bob Temple North Side 922-9622
7609 Maynardville Highway, 37938
Senior Splash (not an arthritis class).
West Side Family 690-9622
400 N. Winston Road, 37909
Arthritis water program, Silver Sneakers, senior yoga.
YWCA *
Recreation, informal education, exercise classes.
» website
Downtown 523-6126
420 W. Clinch Avenue, 37902
Walking and toning, workout room, therapeutic pool exercise class; class costs vary.
Phyllis Wheatley 546-0651
124 S. Cruze Street, 37915
Beautiful People program for seniors meets weekly for lunch, crafts, light exercise, and games (free). Walking, aerobics, other programs; costs vary.
