Senior/Adult

Check out our Senior Spotlight Spring & Summer 2013 for the latest updates within the community.

If you’re not reading Livingston’s Senior Spotlight newsletter, you’re missing information about senior activities! Published three times each year (Winter, Spring/Summer, Fall), there are several ways to see it. To find Senior Spotlight , you can click on the link above or find one at the Library, or stop by the Senior, Youth & Leisure Services office, or have it mailed to your home! You can sign up to have Senior Spotlight mailed to your home in either of two ways: call 973-535-7925 or send an email to recreation@livingstonnj.org

ADULT & SENIOR  PROGRAMS:

Canasta For Beginners: This class is an introduction to Modern American Canasta.  It is designed as an introduction to the game that will include skills, rules and strategies to play the game. At the conclusion of the six week session, participants should be comfortable enjoying the game. C’mon, it will open up a new world of fun! (Fall, Winter, Spring)

Canasta Instruction II: This class is for those who have previously played the game, may need to refresh skills, or want to meet others who enjoy the game. (Fall, Winter, Spring)

Conversational Italian: Come join others who desire to be able to converse in Italian for enjoyment!  A conversational Italian course – which will  include the basics needed to travel and socialize, songs and fun. No books required. Handouts will be provided. Limit: 16  (No session Spring/Summer 2013)

Everyday Spanish – See Adult School Brochure for dates and times of classes.
Spanish is more than “gracias” and “buenos dias!” Join us in an introductory course on how Spanish works in typical life situations, from ordering at a restaurant to understanding the news on TV, to making a new friend. You can pick up some tips to use on your next trip abroad too! Adult School Spring 2013

Mahjong Instruction I: This class will offer an introduction and instruction in playing mahjong, a game that involves skill, strategy and calculation, as well as a certain degree of luck. Purchase of current mahjong card required. Limit: 12

Mahjong Instruction II: This class will be for anyone who has previously played and needs to refresh skills, taken an introductory class, or who wants to meet others who enjoy the game. Purchase of current mahjong card required. Limit: 16

Arthritis Water Workout: Ages 55 and over. Hosted by the West Essex YMCA, this water workout program is for men and women who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. Done in shallow water, the program uses specific movements to help strengthen the bones and surrounding muscles to help alleviate the pain and stiffness of these conditions. Individuals with YMCA membership and non-Livingston residents are not eligible. No charge for this program, but pre-registration is required.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program: People with Arthritis can Exercise using gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion. With the guidance of a certified Arthritis Foundation Instructor, you will learn exercises to maintain muscle strength and increase flexibility.

Learn the Basics of Knitting! Level 1 (Adult and senior class). Did you ever want to know how to knit? Did you want to learn to knit from your grandmother or mother but never asked? Maybe you know someone you want to give a gift that comes from the heart. Don’t fret; it’s never too late to learn how to knit. Knitting may look hard, but with simple instructions, and a little practice, you can learn how to knit, create great items and develop a life long skill. Skills taught in this class will include casting on, knitting, purling, a combination of stitches and binding off which will enable you to knit a scarf. Participants are to bring to class: (1) pair # 9 or 10 straight needles and (2) 7 oz. skeins of worsted weight yarn. Limit: 12

Knitting – Level 2 (Adult and senior class).  This class is for those that have taken the Level 1 class or have a basic knowledge of knitting. Skills taught in Level 2 will include additional stitches such as “Knit 2 together” and “Yarn Over”, as well as how to put pieces together to produce a finished item. Participants are to bring to class (1) pair #10 straight needles, plastic needles (2 in a package for sewing purposes) and two or three 6 or 7 oz different color worsted yarns to make a lap or baby blanket.  Limit 12

AARP Defensive Driving Class: Sponsored by AARP, this refresher course is open to all drivers age 50 and over.  It is designed to help tune up driving skills and update knowledge of road rules, learn about age related physical changes and how to adjust driving practices to allow for these changes.  Check with your insurance company for possible discounts in your rates upon completion of the program. Usually scheduled in the fall and spring.

Tai Chi for Health (Senior and Adult program)
Do you know that Tai Chi is the most popular form of exercise on the planet? Tai Chi is a form of qigong (energy cultivation). Based on martial arts movements, Tai Chi provides training in proper body mechanics and natural alignment. It fosters a calm body and a peaceful state of mind, which are essential for cultivating healthy energy. Even though Tai Chi is slow and gentle and does not leave you breathless, by combining intense mental focus with deliberate, graceful movements, it improves muscle strength, flexibility, agility, balance and even aerobic conditioning. Can be done seated as well. Meditation in motion at its best! Wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers.

Line Dancing (Senior and Adult program)
No more watching for you! Everyone can learn to line dance. Have fun and exercise while dancing to a variety of great country and popular songs. No partner needed!

Ballroom Dancing (Senior and Adult program):  At your next party, get off your seat and onto the floor and – DANCE! Learn the basics of Waltz, Swing, Foxtrot, Tango and the most popular Latin rhythms Merengue, Salsa and Cha Cha in a fun easy-going atmosphere. Come discover how wonderful dancing can feel. Partners are recommended but not required. See information about our new Ballroom Dance Social Series offered through our Adult School Spring 2013  Adult School Brochure.

NEW – Israeli Folk Dance (Senior Program): The class will cover a range of classic Israeli Folk dances including Horas, Debkas and more. The dances are performed in a circle and are appropriate for all ages. Israeli Folk Dancing works the mind, the body and is a lot of fun. Limit: 20

Aqua Zumba
(Summer only) Jump into the Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning, dance fitness party that makes working out a splash. Classes held at Northland Pool.  Limit: 20

Splashercise Ages: 16+
(Summer only) This program features aerobic exercises and a total body workout in the water. In the event of rain, participants should wear sneakers to participate in an indoor aerobic class at Northland Recreation Center.

Classical Music/Opera Lovers Club
* No fee or registration required for this program.
Open to any Livingston senior, this member run club will feature presentations, speakers, videos and musical recordings of favorite classical music pieces, composers and operas. The group will meet monthly and use a rotating schedule of members for the presentations. No expertise is required, just a love of classical music and opera.

Lecture Series:
On the fourth Wednesday of each month, a lecture will be held at the Livingston Senior Community Center from 1 – 2:30PM. All are invited to attend free of charge. Each month a different subject will be offered. The speakers will present an informative, stimulating and entertaining lecture that will have a broad range of appeal. Refreshments will be served.