Human Service Programs > Council on Aging > Activities and Classes

Activities and Classes

The Council on Aging partners with organizations and instructors from across Cambridge to provide activities and classes that enhance seniors’ overall wellness and social connections.

We offer a variety of exercise and art classes, language classes, and technology assistance. We welcome seniors with all levels of experience. In-person, virtual, and hybrid class options are available. View class descriptions below.

To sign up for a class, call the Council on Aging at 617-349-6220. Participation is limited for some classes.

View Monthly Schedule

Computer Lab / Technology Help

Free wifi is available in both Senior Center buildings. Seniors are welcome to use the Cambridge Senior Center’s Computer Lab, located at 806 Massachusetts Ave., 3rd Floor and open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Friday from 9 – 11 a.m. The Computer Lab offers desktop and printer access. Seniors can also rent Chromebooks and hotspots through the Computer Lab.

On Mondays from 9 – 11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 1 – 4 p.m., the Council on Aging Offers Tech Help, where seniors can get assistance from staff related to wireless devices, laptops, and online applications including Zoom and Facebook. Seniors are encouraged to call 617-349-6220 to make a Tech Help appointment, though drop-ins are also welcome.

Computer Lab	Days	Hours
	Monday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
	Tuesday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
	Wednesday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
	Thursday	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
	Friday	9 - 11 a.m.
Computer Lab
and Tech Help	Monday	9 - 11 a.m.
	Tuesday	1 - 4 p.m.

Art Classes

Drawing and Painting:
Learn art techniques, with an emphasis on drawing and watercolor painting, in this beginner-friendly, instructor-led class. Participants are encouraged to use whatever art materials they have on hand.

Watercolor Painting:
Learn methods and techniques used to create watercolor art in this self-paced, instructor-led class. Participants are responsible for their own watercolor painting supplies.

Dance Classes

Line Dancing:
Easy to learn and fun to dance. This class will teach you the basics of line dancing as well as the newer and more established line dances being done. Have fun, learn new dances and making new friends.

Flamenco Tango:
Flamenco class provides in-depth expertise on learning the rhythm of clapping hands, singing, and dancing at the same time. Tango has an energetic and festive feeling and taste and is also an essential rhythm for all.

Flamenco Dance:
This is a class for all, with or without any kind of physical limitation and have the option of dancing sitting on the chair if needed. So that each of you will discover your flamenco with your style.

Dancing for Balance:
This fun, friendly dance class is suited for all fitness levels. You will learn basic steps geared towards improving one’s balance. Seated warm up and cool down exercises are performed.

Language Classes

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL):
Beginning and Intermediate English classes for Seniors to learn conversation, vocabulary, and basic grammar. The class is offered by the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) and taught by Colleen Brennan, CLC ESOL Teacher.

Spanish:
This class reviews and updates students on Spanish grammar, focusing on how to understand, respond, and converse in Spanish.

Meditation Class

Meditation:
This is a 45-minute class, including a talk and meditation to encourage a peaceful and positive way of looking at life, and to reduce stress. The class is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced meditators. After class, there is an optional optional 15 minutes for questions.

Strength and Exercises Classes

Strength Building:
A muscle conditioning class focusing on high repetitions with light or no weight utilizing what you have available at home. You will need to be able to stand for a good portion of class, have a chair, a portion of empty wall space you can lean against, a bit of floor space to move in, any of the above mentioned props, sneakers, and water.

Strong & Stretched:
A 45-minute class starting with a cardio warm up, strengthening exercises using hand weights (try soup cans/water bottles) or Thera bands for resistance. Muscle conditioning reinforces good posture and class ends with deep Yoga stretches.

Chair Exercise:
This class is designed to exercise at one’s own pace, including seated, standing and stretch exercises.

Tai Chi Classes

Balance Chi Kung:
Learn basic Tai Chi principles with gentle, slow repetitive movements of Chi Kung. Over time, this may increase balance, and encourages you to find a way to allow your body to move in a relaxed way. The class begins and ends with meditation.

Qi Gong:
A movement practice from Chinese breath and martial arts traditions. Exercise movements include sitting and standing and are gentle and accessible to all participants. We follow a simple peer led routine.

Yoga and Zumba Classes

Cardio and Yoga for Heart Health:
A 45-minute class starting with 20 minutes of East/West Cardio followed by 25 minutes of in-depth Yoga poses.

Chair Yoga:
Basic elements of Yoga. Including breathing and movement. A chair is used for seated and standing support. This class is designed for those new to Yoga as well as those who enjoy a supported practice. Modifications are offered to meet the needs of all participants.

Gentle Mat Yoga:
In this gentle, one-hour class, we practice the basic elements of yoga. Including standing, seated and lying down postures. This class is appropriate for adults comfortable moving from floor to standing with minimal support. Modifications available to participants.

Zumba Gold:
This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-min Latin inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.