Virtual Community Center

Seniors

The City Council has taken preventative measures in response to COVID-19 within City facilities and has taken many steps to protect the public and prevent the spread of COVID-19. For a complete list of measures in effect and for regular updates on this rapidly evolving situation, visit cityofirvine.org.

While staying safe and healthy at home, check out general advice on remaining active and engaged from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) here. For a list of general City resources available to Irvine seniors in the community, visit the City's Senior Resources page.

See below for more resources catered to adults 50 and older to keep your brain engaged, connect socially, and remain physically active.

Recreational Resources

Arts & Crafts

LACMA: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is offering exhibition walkthroughs, short films, documentaries, and online courses for free. Learn more here.

LA Opera at Home: Access the opera at home, dive deeper into the opera with podcasts and audio lectures, and find fun at-home activities to do yourself or with grandkids. Learn more here.

Paul J. Getty Museum: Explore exhibitions online and browse free reading materials on art and cultural heritage. Learn more here.

Santa Ana College Music Classes: Take free music classes online from Santa Ana College as part of its active adults online education program. Learn more here.

Games

Online Games: Enjoy free online games from AARP including mah-jongg, crosswords, solitaire, and more. Learn more here.

Fitness & Outdoors

AARP Get Moving Where You Are: Watch online exercise videos where fitness experts share workouts you can do in your living room. Learn more here.

Take a Walk: The City of Irvine's parks and open spaces remain open for passive use. Take a walk or run, while still making sure to practice social distancing (maintain a distance of 6 feet from other individuals). Alternatively, enjoy a short outing in your own neighborhood for some fresh air. Find information on Irvine trails and maps at cityofirvine.org/trails. 

Virtual YMCA: Try out chair yoga, barre, cardio fitness, and more workout videos catered to older adults. Learn more here.

Educational

California Phones Smartphone Training: Learn how to use your smartphone online! California Phones from the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP), a program of the California Public Utilities Commission, is helping to keep people connected by offering free Smartphone Training webinars for Android and iPhone users. These group trainings will teach basic functions of your phone, including how to make your phone louder and easier to hear, send text messages, connect to Bluetooth devices, and much more. To register, contact California Phones at 866-271-1540 or smartphonetraining@ddtp.org.

OC Public Library: The library is now offering bookdrops and contact-less curbside pick-up for the community. Learn more here.

UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County: Get gardening tips and advice from regular radio broadcasts and podcasts. Learn more here.

Virtual Travel: Take virtual tours of destinations around the world, including national parks, the Taj Mahal, and the Palace of Versailles. Learn more here.

Social

Call a Friend or Relative: Mental health is important during times like this, and especially so when practicing home isolation. Call friends and relatives regularly to hear another person's voice and stay socially engaged.

Have a Virtual Hangout: Have a party on your computer! Use FaceTime, Skype, or other platforms to get together with family and friends digitally. 

Institute on Aging Friendship Line: Get help connecting with those in your community. Learn more here or call 800-971-0016.

Stay Engaged with Local Politics: Many City of Irvine and Orange County Great Park meetings are available for online viewing and commenting. Visit cityofirvine.org/ictv for live streams and past videos of City Council meetings and Great Park Board meetings.

Support Groups

Alzheimer's Orange County: Alzheimer's Orange County provides free programs, education, and online resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Learn more here.

Parkinson's Research Organization: Join the Parkinson's Research Organization's virtual group meetings to stay connected to those in your community. Learn more here.