The popular Seacoast city of Portsmouth, NH is home to a vibrant population of young and old, permanent and wandering, and everyone in-between. Breaking into the top ten of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns list, it’s no wonder many choose to retire here—either staying put in their beloved city or moving into the lively yet manageable community upon retirement. Portsmouth offers endless opportunity for exploration in a cozy setting that is safe, inclusive, and energetic.
Here are five services that strive to enhance life for Seacoast seniors.
1. Senior Activity Center
Portsmouth’s Senior Activity Center is housed within the Foundation for Seacoast Health’s Community Campus in a building buzzing with activity. With an impressive activity calendar of on and off-campus events, it’s easy to fill a day with sharing a meal, engaging in conversation, or participating in physical activity and explorative learning. The Community Campus setting also offers opportunities for collaborative socializing between different generational groups as the Community Campus also houses daycares and after-school programs for local children.
If seniors are unable to make it to the Center, there are still ways to get involved in upcoming social activities. Gundalow Boat Trips, Lunch Bunch outings, and Early Monday Morning Bike Rides are easy to join and very popular.
Originally, WSL renovated, furnished, and donated the Center’s space at the Community Campus to the City of Portsmouth. Although the city now covers the rent, WSL continues to partner with Portsmouth in hosting twice-monthly senior luncheons.
The Center is located at 100 Campus Drive and seniors are encouraged to learn more by visiting, calling 603-610-4433, or reading the recent edition of Senior Newsletter.
2. Wentworth Senior Transportation
A result of a collaboration between the City of Portsmouth and WSL, this service is used by seniors traveling to medical appointments, scheduled activities, volunteer positions, shopping destinations, and more. With vans operating throughout the day on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, seniors are encouraged to remain active and social when driving is no longer an option or bad weather discourages walking.
To learn more about van passes and scheduling, call 603-570-7791.
3. Alzheimer’s Cafe
Although a few miles from Portsmouth, this monthly meetup has become a valuable resource for Seacoast residents. The Alzheimer’s Café is held on the third Thursday of each month from 2-4 pm at the Children’s Museum in Dover, NH. Seniors living with Alzheimer’s are encouraged to attend along with family and close friends (care partners). The café offers a relaxed, non-clinical environment for comfortable and supportive conversation.
To learn more about the café, visit the Children’s Museum website or contact Paula Rais at 603-742-2002 or paula@childrens-museum.org.
4. Meals on Wheels
This nonprofit delivers fresh, nutritious meals directly to a senior’s home address Monday through Friday and also offers senior luncheons (transportation included) throughout the week.
To learn more about Meals on Wheels and eligibility standards for their subsidized programming, visit their website. The Portsmouth MOW office is located at 40 Bedford Way in Atlantic Heights. You can also email site manager Caren Gallagher
at PortsmouthAreaMealsOnWheels@RNMOW.org.
5. Prime Time Club
Northeast Credit Union members and nonmembers are invited to join this active club for travel, shows, good food, and good times. The group offers excursions for Seacoast seniors and friends are always welcome.
Call 603-422-9869 to learn more, or visit the Portsmouth branch at 100 Borthwick Avenue.