By Patte Smith; additional information provided by the Highlands Ranch Metro District

Highlands Ranch, just a few minutes drive northwest of the Castle Pines area, continually strives to address the needs of adults age 50+ as they become empty nesters or are part of the baby-boomer generation.   From outdoor activities to estate planning seminars to handyman services to Medicare assistance, the Highlands Ranch Metro District’s (HRMD) Senior Outreach Services web page offers an immense amount of resources for older adults.

The HRMD website for older adults, www.highlandsranch.org/services/highlands-ranch-senior-outreach-services/ features events, resources, articles of interest, and the new 50 & Better Together organization.  Jodie McCann, senior outreach coordinator for HRMD, has been instrumental in developing a solid program for older adults.  McCann expanded the program by founding the 50 & Better Together organization for 50+ adults to socialize and attend lectures, and be active.

“Anyone is welcome to join the group for the quarterly educational lectures, activities or social hours on the third Wednesday of each month, most starting at 5:30 p.m.,” stated McCann.  “Lectures include discussions on nutrition and fitness, brain and heart health, financial planning, legal paperwork, fraud prevention, and many other topics.”  

The next 50 & Better Together social hour will be held at The Manor House, 1 Manor House Road in Littleton on Wednesday, June 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Join the fun on the outdoor porch in beautiful surroundings, as well as live music inside.  The Manor House has a $5 cover charge payable on site.  A mobile food truck will offer dinner items.  While most lectures and activities are free, participants must register online 48 hours prior to each event.  Visit www.highlandsranch.org/signmeup to register.

Another activity offered by the 50 & Better Together program is hiking, which is an enjoyable opportunity for older adults to experience the outdoors.  Two hikes are offered in June for:

Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. attend the Geology & Wildflower Hike – Roxborough State Park Visitors Center; optional lunch out after at the Landsdowne Arms Bistro & Pub, located at Town Center in Highlands Ranch.  There is no cost (other than park entry and your lunch).  This is an easy to moderate 1.5 mile hike.  Be sure to bring water and appropriate clothing for the weather.
 
Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. attend the Hike with a Naturalist – Roxborough State Park Visitors Center; optional lunch out after at Kneaders Bakery & Café in Highlands Ranch.  There is no cost (other than park entry and your lunch).  This is an easy to moderate hike as well.  Bring a snack, water and appropriate clothing for the weather.

Register 48 hours prior to the hikes at www.highlandsranch.org/signmeup – Senior Programs.  For additional questions, contact Senior Outreach Coordinator Jodie McCann at jmccann@highlandsranch.org or 720-240-4922.