50+
Crack open the books with free college classes
Whether you want to learn a new skill or just challenge yourself, community college classes are some of the best free resources for older Angelenos. Santa Monica College has been offering a free non-credit Emeritus program for 50 years, and Pierce College in Woodland Hills has a similar program called Encore. Both are set up for adults over 50 to audit a variety of classes from art and concert music to political science and occupational training. Los Angeles Community College also offers free non-credit courses for all adults.
55+
Enjoy a free drink or cheap(er) food
A lot of fast food spots have discounts for seniors, but Dairy Queen and KFC go one step further, offering a free drink for adults 55 and up. Restaurants are a classic spot to find "senior discounts." The SeniorList, a website resource for older people, has a regularly updated list of restaurants that offer discounts and freebies, but perks may differ from location to location, so call before you go. There are a ton of places that offer discounts for people over 55 – the best thing to do is ask.
60+
Come down with a case of senior-center-itis
Los Angeles County has a senior center geared for adults age 60-plus in nearly every neighborhood, and each of them has a slate of activities where older Angelenos can participate in everything from line dancing and jewelry-making classes to nutrition courses and pickleball. A full list of activities at L.A.’s senior centers can be found on the Department of Parks and Recreation’s website.
62+
Reconnect with nature at our national and state parks
The United States Geological Survey offers a Lifetime Senior Pass that covers all of the national parks. This one isn’t technically free – it’s $80 plus about $10 in fees – but it’s a lifetime pass for the cost of a regular yearly pass. By that logic, after a year, it’s free. There are nine national parks in California, four of which – Joshua Tree, the Channel Islands, Sequoia, and Death Valley – are within a four-hour drive from L.A.
65+
This sporting life
Golfing is a long-standing tradition for older people. Maybe it’s the slow pace of the game or maybe it’s just an excuse to get outside with a group of friends. It’s rarely free, but if you’re savvy, you can play on one of the L.A. city golf courses for almost free. For Angelenos 65 and up, there’s a yearly fee of $28, and then you’ll pay green fees as low as $4.50 for a weekday round. Make sure to reserve a tee time, and get out there on the links.
Perks with no specific age requirement
Shhh! Your library card holds many secrets for seniors
Libraries are one of the most powerful resources for anyone, let alone older Angelenos, but they remain a vital hub of our communities, particularly for our aging residents. I stopped by my local library recently – the Lincoln Heights Branch, housed in the beautiful Italian Renaissance Revival building funded by Andrew Carnegie in 1916 – which was filled with older Angelenos quietly reading or on the computer.
L.A. Museums for free
Many L.A. museums offer free admission for everyone – the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the California Science Center’s permanent galleries, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, the Broad and the Hammer Museum – but some offer additional perks for older adults. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum are both free for L.A. County residents after 3 p.m. on weekdays, and both offer a discount for adults 65 and up with an ID during all open hours.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is an enticing place to grow older, and not just because of the temperate climate. The city is one of the few municipalities in the world with a "purposeful aging" initiative (though the budget for senior programs will be reduced in 2025). It’s a place that understands that older Angelenos are our cultural core.
FAQs
Q: What are some free resources for older Angelenos?
A: Some free resources for older Angelenos include community college classes, senior centers, national and state parks, and libraries.
Q: How can I get discounts on food and drinks?
A: Many fast food spots offer discounts for seniors, and some restaurants have senior discounts as well. The SeniorList has a regularly updated list of restaurants that offer discounts and freebies.
Q: What are some free museum options?
A: Many L.A. museums offer free admission for everyone, but some offer additional perks for older adults, such as the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the California Science Center’s permanent galleries, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, the Broad, and the Hammer Museum.
Q: How can I get help with resources and services?
A: 211 LA is the city’s hub of resources for nonprofit services, connecting Angelenos with everything from suicide hotlines to nonprofits that will help them quit smoking.
