Wilmington Active Older Adults

Aging Well in Body, Mind and Spirit

Your health and physical wellbeing are important, no matter your age. The YMCA offers active older adults opportunities to maintain healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships and positive outlooks on life. Older adults who stay active live longer and have better functional conditioning. That is why the YMCA provides classes, programs and events suited for this age group. Our Active Older Adults (AOA) programs are designed for ages 50 and older.


YMCA Adventures

The YMCA of Southeastern NC is thrilled to present four overnight trips in 2026! These all-inclusive experiences are designed for fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Overnight Trips

Washington, D.C. - Our Nation's Capital
March 27-31, 2026
 
Smoky Mountains Show Trip - Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
October 5-9, 2026
 
Niagara Falls & Toronto
June 14-20, 2026
 
New York City

December 3-9, 2026

Click the button below to learn more about our trips and to register online!

Learn More About Trips


Day Trips & Potlucks

Our AOA group enjoys regular events and outings meant to enrich your life, improve your health, and connect you with others who share your interests. Take a walk through the park, learn local history, or take an overnight trip to somewhere new! The Y does all the planning while you enjoy the experience. Friends and family of all ages are welcome to join! Below are some of our recent outings and events: 

Tentative 2026 Day Trips
  • Mike's Farm - April 18
  • Fort Macon / Beaufort - May 16
  • Lazy River Tubing Cape Fear River  - June 27
  • Shark Tooth Hunt at Topsail - TBA
  • Swansboro Mullet Festival – October 9
  • Southport Christmas shopping November 5
  • Mike's Farm Christmas show - December TBA
  • Airlie Gardens - December TBA
  • Myrtle Beach Christmas Show - TBA
 
2026 Potlucks
  • April Fool's Day - April 1
  • Picnic at Midtown – May 1
  • International Potluck (Welcome Week) - Sept. 18
  • Friendsgiving Potluck - November 18
  • Cookie Exchange (Ugly Sweater Creation) - December 11
 

Have a suggestion for a trip or event? Share it with us so we can make it happen! To see all of our upcoming trips and events, click the button below.


Upcoming Events

Exercise Classes

At the Y, we offer a variety of classes and sports tailored to your interests and skill level. Below are some of our most popular activities designed with active older adults in mind. All classes are by registration on our YMCA app 22 hours before the class begins. 
  • Water Aerobics
  • Yoga (Therapeutic & Basic)
  • Senior Classes - Seated Aerobics
  • Pickleball Lessons & Play
  • Walking Program
  • Monthly Bingo
  • Card Club

CLASS SCHEDULES


Sports

At the Y, we offer a variety of classes and sports tailored to your interests and skill level. Below are some of our most popular activities designed with active older adults in mind. All classes are by registration on our YMCA app 22 hours before the class begins. 
  • Weekly Beginner Pickleball lessons
  • Pickleball Open Play: Register on the YMCA app for a spot in open play at one of our branches. Registration is open 22 hours in advance. Each group is by skill level.  
    • A=Advanced
    • B=Intermediate
    • C=Low Intermediate and Newbies
  • Basketball: Basketball Open Gym is available for shooting and practicing your skills. We provide basketballs. Check the schedule for open times.

Clubs

For details about clubs and social gatherings, please check the YMCA app or email [email protected]

  • Connect over Coffee: Being social and connecting with others is a vital part of our overall health. We want to provide an opportunity for our community to gather, connect, chat, laugh and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea with friends. Servers are part of New Hanover County Schools Special Education Transitions Program for young adults 18 - 21. Donations appreciated. All proceeds benefit the Transitions Program.

Community Health Programs

Through our community health programs, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is committed to changing the outcome for people facing significant health challenges and improving quality of life for our whole community. Our offerings include:

  • Enhance Fitness
  • Livestrong at the YMCA
  • Parkinson's Exercise
  • Diabetes Prevention
  • Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
  • Moving for Better Balance

LEARN MORE


Get Connected

We want to keep in touch with you, provide group support and encouragement, and communicate what’s happening within our AOA community!
 

JOIN OUR AOA FACEBOOK GROUP

Click here to complete our AOA Club interest form online today!


Give Back 

VOLUNTEER 

 

DONATE

 If you are interested in being part of our AOA Advisory Committee, please email your interest to Ann Wilson, Active Older Adults Coordinator, at [email protected] This role consists of the following tasks:
  • Organizing our AOA Club member contacts 
  • Calling members about activities and participation
  • Planning special events and fundraisers
  • Participating as a traveling coach for classes

Contact

Ann Wilson
Associate Executive Director

[email protected]
910-251-9622 x310