Activities for older people

We provide a wide range of activities which are popular with older people. On this page you will find further details and information.

Library service

The library service aims to ensure that the service is provides is accessible to all, however there are a number of activities which are particularly popular with older people.

• If you are unable to get to a library for any reason our Books on Wheels Service may be able to help you. Visit the home library service page for further details.
• We have a wide range of services for the visually impaired. Visit our services for the visually impaired page for more information.
• A large number of our libraries hold reading groups. Visit the reading groups page for information on activities at your local library.
• If you are interested in history visit the local and naval studies page.
• The Library Service has a range of information to help with family history research. Visit the family history page for further information.
• If you are interested in music, film and theatre books and resources visit the music, film and theatre page.

The Library Service also support a number of online databases which can help you find out what’s going on in Plymouth:

• Plymouth sports directory database gives details of various sports groups and activities across the city.
• Plymouth clubs and societies database includes information on social groups, sports groups, fundraising and pressure groups.

The online library catalogue will help you find particular books and resources held by the Library Service.

The cyberLibrary provides links to a wide range of relevant and useful websites. Popular topics on the cyberLibrary include:

• Health
• Family history
• Leisure
• Legal
• Travel

Plymouth swimming pools

Each week Plymouth swimming pools hold a number of sessions aimed at the over 50’s. To find out when sessions are please check the timetable at your local pool:

• Central Park leisure pools
• Plympton pool
• Seaton pool

Plymcard

Plymcard gives Plymouth residents discounted admission to City Council leisure facilities. Private sector shops and services have also pledged their support for Plymcard and offer a range of discounts and special offers exclusively to Plymcard holders. Membership of Plymcard is free to Plymouth residents over 60. Visit the Plymcard web pages for further information.

Events

Throughout the year a wide variety of different public events take place across the city. To find out more about what’s going on this month visit the what's on page.

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery provides a number of activities which may of interest to older people or those working with older people.

Reminiscence sessions

This is a service for residential homes, care homes and sheltered housing. These sessions use objects, photos and music groups to reminisce about days gone by. The service is free and available to book on weekdays. Sessions can be based around a number of themes including; history of health, herbal remedies, local Plymouth history and the seaside. To book one of these sessions please contact Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

Creative writing

This group currently runs once a week in the morning. The group looks at objects and images related to a current exhibition and written work that is inspired by these objects is displayed in the Museum when appropriate. For further information please contact Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

University of the Third Age (U3A)

This is an ongoing partnership project. A small group of members meet regularly in the Museum to research objects/images in the collection. Previous research has looked at maritime history and recent projects include examining key objects in a number of display cases around the Museum with the aim of providing some new interpretation and a public talk. For further information on this project please contact Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery has been involved in a major partnership project with communities around General Practioner (GP) centres or patients in hospital. Groups work with museum collections to create exhibitions or art work that can be displayed on the wards or in the surgery. Recent projects have involved groups at Mount Gould Hospital. Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery can provide further information on this exciting project.

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