Naples in Collier County in southwest Florida had more than 25 percent of its residents older than age 65 in 2007, according to naples-florida.com. The city sits right on the Gulf of Mexico and offers plenty of leisure for retirees. Seniors, whether in a group or flying solo, can find activities to pass the time and have a little fun.
Naples offers six major beaches for seniors to enjoy. Gather a group and make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and umbrellas for everyone to protect themselves from UV rays and the heat. The Lely Barefoot Beach rents fishing equipment, a snack bar, and picnic tables. Delnore-Wiggins Pass State Beach has a picnic pavilion and boardwalks. Seniors can walk along the Naples City Pier to enjoy a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Take the Aquatic Arthritis Exercise Class at the Golden Gate Aquatics Facility. The complex offers a heated pool, a children's activity pool and water slide, so seniors can bring their grandkids. Seniors also participate in shuffleboard and bocce. Join a league or just play a pickup game. Walk along the paved fitness trail, or sign up for an aerobics class at the Golden Gate Fitness Center.
Naples Bingo Palace offers bingo every night except Monday, with an extra matinee game on Sunday, where players compete for cash prizes. Each session benefits local charities and the community. Players can also come in to take advantage of the casino-style video games. The facility offers a full snack bar and novelty items and souvenirs seniors can purchase. Free giveaways, such as TVs and dinners, happen throughout the year. And during each session, players can purchase pull tabs for another chance to win a cash prize.
The Naples Historical Society offers tours that give a glimpse of Naples' history, showing Neapolitan life in the early 1900s. Docent-led tours include tales about Naples pioneers, turn-of-the-century gardening stories and introductions to some of Naples' architecture. Located one block east of the Naples Pier, the Naples Historical Society is headquartered on the grounds of Palm Cottage, the oldest house in Naples, which was built in 1895. Seniors can attend free lecture series throughout the year and come with their kids for Grandparents Day.
