Senior citizens have recreation and educational opportunities in Maine.
Maine, located in the northern tip of New England, provides senior citizens with discounts to state parks and chances to further their education. During their retirement years, Maine's senior citizens can enjoy hiking and fishing at Arcadia National Park and Sebago Lake State Park. Education courses for senior citizens are available through the Maine Senior College Network for people 50 years of age or older. Maine's senior citizens can also donate their time to worthwhile causes through charity organizations.
Arcadia National Park
Located in southern Maine, Arcadia National Park is less than a 10 minute drive from Bar Harbor and offers opportunities for hiking and climbing activities on Cadillac Mountain. Senior citizens who reside in Maine are allowed free admittance with proof of identification. Senior citizens can take advantage of RV campsites at Seawall Campground, which offers views of the Southwest Harbor; however, reservations are recommended. Arcadia National Park also offers opportunities for bird watching, with species such as osprey and peregrine hawks. While the park is open year-round, most of Arcadia's facilities--museums, picnic areas, Seawall Campground and the road on Cadillac Mountain--are closed from December through April.
Going Back to School
Some senior citizens believe it is never too late to go back to school, and the Maine Senior College Network (MSCN) provides this service. MSCN features 17 different campuses through Maine, including areas such as Penobscot County, Lewiston and Augusta. The school year is divided into two semesters--fall and spring--and volunteer teachers lead the classes. All students must be at least 50 years of age. No prior academic credits are required for admittance, and all courses are without exams and are non-credit.
Volunteering
Several organizations allow Maine's senior citizens to volunteer for community or recreational services. One national organization, Senior Corps, has a Maine chapter with approximately 2,300 members, as of fall 2010. Senior Corps's programs include the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Senior Companions. RSVP allows members to take part in tutoring troubled youths and aiding disaster areas, while Senior Companions consists of Senior Corps members assisting fellow senior citizens who are in financial crisis. Senior citizens also volunteer for state parks, such as Sebago Lake and Mount Blue. Volunteer activities at state parks include offering guided tours of the grounds and assistance at the park's visitor centers.
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