Katy, Texas, is in Harris County, approximately 27 miles west of Houston. As of 2006, persons aged 50 and older comprised 22 percent of the city's population and were predicted to make up 27 percent by 2011, according to the article "Life Begins at 55" by Lee Butler and published in Katy Magazine. Seniors in the Katy area can enjoy numerous activities, including touring local attractions at a discounted price.
Forbidden Gardens is on Franz Road near Arbor Park Drive northeast of downtown Katy. The museum is a privately funded institution dedicated to Chinese art, history and culture. Visitors 60 years of age and older receive discounted admission rates to the attraction.
The architecture of the Forbidden Gardens resembles that of Chinese-style pagodas. Visitors can view a scale-model replica of notable landmarks of China such as the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang-di and the Forbidden City. Self-guided tour books are available to help navigate the museum and learn about the items on display.
The Forbidden Gardens is open Friday through Sunday and remains closed to the public Monday through Thursday and on major holidays. As of October 2010, the cost of senior admission was $5, which equated to a 50 percent discount off the general admission price. Free, on-site parking is available.
Fort Bend Seniors is a non-profit organization that provides programs for seniors aged 60 and over in Fort Bend and Waller counties. The group has an office in downtown Katy on Danover Street near the intersection with Barkley Street.
The Fort Bend Seniors program offers meals for seniors who have financial need that makes it difficult for them to afford nutritious food. Seniors gather at the Katy center for a hot meal and can socialize with one another throughout the lunch. After each meal, attendees then participate in an activity such as Bingo or crafts. Outings to area attractions and events are also scheduled for participants on a regular basis.
The Fort Bend Seniors meals program serves lunch Monday through Friday. The program is free to those with a demonstrated need. Advanced registration is necessary to participate. The organization offers free transportation to and from the Katy center for participants. Free, on-site parking is available at the center.
The city of Katy sponsors and organizes activities for seniors through its Senior Social Services Department. Most programs are held at the city's Senior Center on Avenue C, between Second and Third streets in downtown Katy. Some activities occur in local public parks.
To encourage seniors to remain active, the Senior Social Services offers recreational classes such as aquatic aerobics and line dancing. A walking club also meets regularly, allowing seniors to enjoy exercise as a group. Seniors can also participate in games such as dominoes, mahjong and pinochle at the Senior Center. Arts and crafts classes on topics such as crocheting and painting are also offered. Katy area seniors can also attend local events and travel to local attractions on bus trips organized by the department.
The schedule for the activities offered through the city of Katy Senior Social Services varies monthly. A fee is required for some activities, and some programs require advanced registration.
