Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Kitsap County is a great place to enjoy your retirement. Whether you’re considering downsizing and getting more involved in the community or looking to age in place and enjoy your favorite hobbies, there are plenty of local resources to help you take the next step. From volunteer programs to dance classes, we hope this inspires you to explore what our community offers.
Classes, Activities & Recreation
Staying active and feeling connected to your community can be challenging as you get older, but there are many local options available. The Bremerton Senior Center offers a variety of activities for folks 55 and over. At the Port Orchard Senior Center, you’ll find options like arts and crafts, billiards, Zumba, and yoga. Learn the basics of square dancing, the official Washington State Dance, or show off your skills at the Kitsap Square Dance Association weekly dances. If you are a fan of swimming or racquet sports, some options include the Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center or Aqua Aerobics at the South Kitsap Community Pool. Additionally, there are classes and tournaments at the Bremerton Family YMCA, as well as Silverdale’s Haselwood Family YMCA. To enjoy outdoor hobbies at a discounted rate, check out options like Gold Mountain Golf Club’s senior discount or the Senior Citizen Limited Income Pass for WA State Parks.
Another great community hub is Kitsap Regional Library. Our wonderful library has “Friends of the Library” groups in different branches throughout Kitsap County. You can participate in various workshops and assistance programs like crafting clubs, technology assistance, writing groups, genealogy resources, and more. Also, you can get help with insurance enrollment and address health concerns through the Peninsula Community Health Service Mobile Medical Clinic.
If you want to enjoy the library’s resources but can’t come to the library, check out their Mobile Services. You’ll be able to enjoy personalized service if you qualify. Mobile Services delivers library materials to healthcare facilities, group homes, and individual residences.
Community & Volunteering
There’s a plethora of volunteer options in Kitsap County. Some active organizations in the area include the Silverdale Rotary Club, known for its annual duck race, the Silverdale Sunrise Lions, and Silverdale Dandy Lions. Our office has supported a range of nonprofits, including Olive Crest, which supports local foster children. You can easily donate needed supplies to them or volunteer with them.
Other great ways to give back include volunteering with Parks and Rec for the City of Bremerton. The Puget Sound Naval Museum and Coffee Oasis are also recruiting volunteers to fill various roles.
Transportation
If driving is no longer an option, ACCESS and VanLink offer flexibility outside routed systems. ACCESS is meant for seniors and those with disabilities. An application and eligibility must be verified before scheduling a ride. VanLink is a shared-cost program that serves people who qualify as low-income, veterans, disabled, or seniors. Also available through Kitsap Transit is On-Demand and Dial-A-Ride services. The Foot Ferry service helps folks travel between Bremerton and Port Orchard without dealing with car traffic.
Housing Options
As you age, you might prefer to stay in your home as long as possible, aging in place. On the other hand, programming at a retirement community might sound enticing. To explore options, check out the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care for retirement resources and planning assistance.
There are a variety of senior living options with different needs in mind. For example, in Silverdale, you will find Encore and Fieldstone communities and Crista Shores, which offer a range of care levels, from independent living to memory care facilities. Another option is Bonaventure in Port Orchard. For veterans or qualified dependents, the Washington Veterans Home, built in 1910, overlooks Sinclair Inlet. Again, this depends upon your needs, and some services can be customized. It’s important to research each option. Try to connect with locals who live there or know people who do to get different perspectives. Many of our agents are longtime or lifelong locals who are well-connected. They can help you get more information if needed.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn even more, check out this 2024 Senior Resources guide. It contains contact information for everything from counseling to Medicare. You can also read about local hospitals, hearing specialists, different living options, and home health assistance programs. And, if you still have questions, our team of local experts is always happy to help.
