– (203) 431-7000
A fabulous resource for Seniors in Ridgefield, with a 15,000 square foot “clubhouse” featuring an art room, a card room, a computer room, a craft room, a fitness studio, a game room, a library, a media room, and a lecture hall. Members have access to a wide variety of programs, including classes, member coffees, off-site trips (Mohegan Sun, anyone?), discussion groups, lectures, and more. Membership is free, and each program is either free-of-charge, or reasonably-priced.
– 195 Danbury Rd., (203) 431-2755
Conveniently located next to Founders Hall, the Ridgefield Recreation Center provides a wealth of activities for Seniors. There are Senior Aquacize classes from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Arthritis Exercise classes in the pool from 12-1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Costs: $8 per drop-in, or a 10 session frequent fitness card is $59 for members / $71 for non-members.
Those who prefer land-based activities may want to try pickleball, an exciting paddle sport which is offered several times each week in the Recreation Center gym. Free trial sessions are being held on September 7th from 6:30-8 p.m. and September 8th from 1:30-3 p.m. For more information, call (203) 431-2755, or visit the Recreation Center website.
– 90 East Ridge, (203) 438-5555
The Ridgefield VNA is perhaps the most important resource for Seniors, providing home health visits and free or low cost community health screening. The website says it all: “Senior Care services from the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association are designed to help older people live comfortably at home, independently, for as long as possible.” In addition to the core home health care services, VNA staff members are able to help with some light housekeeping, shopping, cooking/nutritional guidance, transportation, personal care, emergency response, and case management. There is someone on-call 24 hours a day to answer questions. Payment is accepted from Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance plans. Fees may be reduced or supplemented for those in need of financial assistance.
Ballard Green – 25 Gilbert St., (203) 438-9845
Ballard Green is an independent living community for Seniors, located right in the heart of Ridgefield. For both residents and non-resident Seniors, there are several VNA-sponsored programs, including monthly free blood pressure screening, and a “Vitality” exercise class every Monday and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. The community also hosts weekly Bingo sessions every Friday at 1 p.m. These activities are free-of-charge. For more information, call the number listed above.
– 472 Main St., (203) 438-2282
The Ridgefield Library has an extensive selection of products for Seniors, including books on CD and large print books for those with visual limitations, as well as senior-focused magazines such as AARP and Kiplinger Retirement. They also have a “home-bound delivery service” for those who have difficulty visiting the Library in person. There are regularly scheduled programs, book clubs, and discussion groups, including one run by the Library at Founders Hall. For a complete list of events, click here.
Sweet HART public bus service – (203) 748-2511
SweetHART is a public transportation service for Seniors aged 60+, and for those with a mobility disability. The service provides transportation from home to the chosen destination and back, and operates in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown, Ridgefield, Roxbury, and in New Milford (for qualifying disability only). Costs: $0.60 for trips within one town; $0.75 between two towns; $1.25 ADA priority trips; and $3 for same day trips. Personal Care Attendants ride free when accompanying a disabled passenger.
