Setting Up a Group Outing

Group outings are an important activity for many community centers, and can also be a great way for older adults to arrange engaging activities with their friends and social groups. These outings provide opportunities for socialization, exercise, learning, reminiscing, and connecting with others. While it might seem straightforward to plan a local outing, there are a few tips we can follow to make these outings as smooth and successful as possible:

1.    Check for accessibility 

While many businesses and restaurants are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, there are still older establishments that do not have accessible accommodations. Depending on the needs of a group, this can significantly impact the trip. We should contact the local business prior to scheduling the outing to find out if they have accessible ramps, walkways, bathroom stalls and seating. In addition, we should also inquire about accessible parking options, and find out how much walking will be involved from the drop off location to the building. 

2.    Call ahead or make a reservation

When possible, we should try to make a reservation when scheduling  an outing. At the time of making a reservation, we should also document the name of the employee we spoke with and the time and date. In the event there’s an issue with the reservation, we will be able to reference the employee we worked with. We should then confirm the reservation a few days prior to the trip, and make any last minute requests at that time. If the establishment does not accept reservations, it is still important to call the day of the trip to make them aware that a large group will be visiting, and give them our estimated time of arrival. We may also want to ask them to assign personnel that are most experienced in working with older adults. 

3.    Group discounts and senior days

We should always inquire about group discounts when planning a trip to a local museum, sporting event, theater performance, etc. In addition to the group discount, many places offer senior discounts, which can sometimes be combined with the group discount. Several local businesses offer senior days, which provide substantial discounts at thrift stores, buffets, movie theaters, etc. However, many of these senior days aren’t widely advertised, so we should contact the business prior to scheduling the trip to find out when they offer the best deals for older adults.

4.    Poll the group

While logistics and planning are crucial to the success of the trip, so is the overall interest from the participants. We should talk with our groups on a regular basis to find out what they are interested in checking out around town. We can start by creating a simple survey with options for them to select from, as well as space for them to suggest their own ideas. This will take the guesswork out of planning the next outing, and provide them with an opportunity to be part of the planning process.