Ulster County's senior population is one of its greatest assets — and the county has built an impressive network of free and low-cost programs to keep older residents active, socially connected, and engaged. Whether you're 60, 70, 80, or beyond, there's something for you.
Here's your guide to the best senior activities in Ulster County — most of them completely free.
The Hub: Ulster County Senior Center
The Ulster County Senior Hub at 5 Development Court in Kingston is the central nerve center for senior programming. It's where most of the county's classes and events take place, and it's a great place to start.
Phone: (845) 340-3456
Toll-Free: (877) 914-3456
Email: UCOFA@ulstercountyny.gov
Fitness and Movement
Fitness and Fun for All
When: Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 AM
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub, Kingston
What: Bands, balls, light weights, and light cardio — a full-body workout designed for older adults. Shoes required.
Cost: Free
MVP Living Well Chair Zumba
When: Wednesdays, 2:00–3:00 PM
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub, Kingston
What: Dance fitness with seated movements to help improve balance and coordination. No standing required — and it's surprisingly fun.
Cost: Free
Gentle Chair Yoga
When: Mondays, 9:30–10:30 AM
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub, Kingston
What: Gentle stretching and breathing exercises done in a chair. Great for flexibility, stress relief, and joint health. First come, first served (capacity: 35).
Cost: Free
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
When: Various days (check the OFA calendar)
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub and community locations
What: Beginner-friendly Tai Chi designed to improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Evidence-based program specifically for arthritis and fall prevention.
Cost: Free
Mall Walk with the UCOFA
When: Tuesdays, 9:45 AM (walk starts at 10 AM sharp)
Where: Hudson Valley Mall, 1300 Ulster Avenue, Kingston
What: Meet by the food court at 9:45 AM and walk the mall. It's flat, climate-controlled, and a great way to get your steps in — rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Social and Creative Activities
Free Chess Classes
When: Mondays, 11:00 AM
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub, Kingston
What: Free chess instruction and open play. All skill levels welcome. (If a county holiday falls on Monday, chess class meets Friday at 11 AM instead.)
Cost: Free
Craft Corner
When: Third Friday of each month, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub, Kingston
What: Each month features a different craft project. A great way to learn something new, socialize, and take home something you made.
Cost: Free
Senior Cafés (Community Meals)
When: Various days at locations throughout the county
Where: Ellenville, Rosendale, New Paltz, Saugerties, Town of Ulster, and Woodstock
What: Nutritious hot meals served in a social setting. Open to Ulster County seniors 60 and older. The suggested contribution is $3 per meal, but no one is turned away for inability to pay.
Cost: $3 suggested donation (voluntary)
To reserve a meal: Call (845) 331-2180
Learning and Education
Senior Tech Classes
When: Thursday mornings, 9:30–11:30 AM
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub, Kingston
What: Rotating topics including iPhone and iPad basics, Google products, internet shopping safety, Apple Mail, and general tech Q&A. Bring your device and your questions. Classes limited to 15 people.
Cost: Free
To register: Call (845) 340-3456
Lunch and Learn Series
When: Various dates throughout the year
Where: Locations throughout the county
What: Free educational presentations with lunch included. Topics include Medicare options, emergency preparedness, hospice and palliative care, common medications and nutrition, elder abuse prevention, and more.
Cost: Free (includes lunch with reservation)
To register: Call (845) 340-3456
Empire Safety Council Driver Safety Course
When: Offered periodically (check the OFA calendar)
Where: Ulster County Senior Hub
What: Proven driving techniques to help keep you safe on the road. Completing the course may make you eligible for a multi-year discount on your automobile insurance.
Cost: Free or low cost
Transportation and Support Services
UCAT Transportation
The Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) system provides non-emergency medical transportation for seniors. Routes cover the county, including connections to hospitals, doctor's offices, and senior centers.
Neighbor to Neighbor
A volunteer driver program that provides transportation for seniors who need help getting to medical appointments and other essential destinations.
Home-Delivered Meals
For seniors who are homebound, the Ulster County Office for the Aging provides home-delivered meals through Brooklyn Kitchen.
To request meals or cancel a delivery: Call (845) 331-2496
HIICAP Medicare Counseling
Free, confidential counseling on Medicare and health insurance options for older adults and their caregivers.
Legal Services
Free legal assistance for eligible seniors on issues including housing, benefits, elder abuse, and consumer protection.
Seasonal Events and Special Programs
Summer Picnics
The Office for the Aging hosts annual summer picnics at locations throughout the county. In 2026, the Town of Wawarsing picnic features Brooks BBQ providing lunch.
Patriotic Bingo
Themed bingo events with patriotic trivia and socializing — a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Elder Abuse Awareness Forum
Held each June (Elder Abuse Awareness Month), this hybrid event (in-person and Zoom) helps older adults recognize and prevent financial scams and exploitation.
Community Mini Wellness Fairs
The OFA tables at community wellness events, offering health education, supportive services, and connections to local resources.
How to Get Started
- Call the Office for the Aging: (845) 340-3456. Staff are available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, to answer questions about programs and services.
- Visit the Senior Hub: 5 Development Court, Kingston, NY 12401. Drop in to see the space, pick up a calendar, and meet the staff.
- Check the online calendar: Visit ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/Aging/Calendar for the full schedule of events.
- Register for classes: Some classes require advance registration (tech classes, Lunch and Learn events). Call ahead to reserve your spot.
A Note on Accessibility
The Ulster County Office for the Aging is committed to making its programs accessible to all older adults. If you need accommodations — wheelchair access, hearing assistance, large-print materials — call ahead and the staff will work with you.
Why It Matters
Loneliness and isolation are among the biggest health risks for older adults — as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. The programs offered by the Ulster County Office for the Aging aren't just about exercise or education. They're about connection. About seeing familiar faces. About knowing someone's checking in.
Whether you're looking for a daily workout, a weekly chess game, a monthly craft project, or just a hot meal with friendly conversation, Ulster County has built a safety net of activities designed to keep you engaged, healthy, and connected.
And most of it is free.
For more information, contact the Ulster County Office for the Aging at (845) 340-3456 or visit ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/Aging.
8 Comments
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Great that they mention the elder abuse awareness forum. That stuff is so important and a lot of families don't talk about it until it's too late. Financial scams targeting older adults are way more common than people realize around here.
Linda PrzybylskiYou're so right. My uncle lost a significant amount of savings a few years back to a phone scam and the family had no idea until it was already done. These forums can really open people's eyes before something like that happens.
Does anyone know if the tech class actually helps if you have zero experience? I can barely figure out my iPhone and the class sounds good but I don't want to be the one slowing everyone down. Only 15 spots so I imagine it fills up fast too.
The senior cafe in Saugerties is wonderful. Hot meal, nice people, and honestly the $3 donation is nothing. I brought my neighbor a few times when she was going through a rough patch and it really helped her get out of the house.
carol_saugertiesThat's really sweet that you brought your neighbor. The social side of it is just as important as the meal honestly. My mom used to say getting out of the house was half the battle when she was going through a hard time.
Good list but I want to point out the Hudson Valley Mall is pretty dead these days so the mall walk is kind of a strange vibe. That said it IS flat and climate controlled so I get why they do it there. Just funny to walk past all the empty storefronts.
My mom does the chair yoga on Mondays and she absolutely loves it. She was skeptical at first because she thought it would be too easy but she says her knees feel so much better. Wish more people knew about this.
PattyM_KingstonSame with my dad and the tai chi class. He thought it was going to be too gentle to make a difference but his balance has actually improved noticeably. These programs are underrated. More people really should know about them.