Fort Myers

Live Life in Fort Myers (Senior-Friendly Edition)

Fort Myers offers older adults a coastal lifestyle rich in accessible parks, lifelong learning, seasonal events, and wellness-centered social programs—all woven into a warm, community-focused setting.

Begin your day with a peaceful walk through Lakes Regional Park, a scenic 279‑acre space featuring about 2.5 miles of paved and boardwalk trails over freshwater lakes, shaded picnic areas, fragrant herb and butterfly gardens, and plenty of benches to pause and enjoy the view.  For more lakeside walking, the John Yarbrough Linear Park trail runs six gentle miles beside Ten Mile Canal, ideal for walking, rolling, or casual birdwatching. 

History-loving visitors will enjoy the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, with gorgeous tropical botanical gardens, museum exhibits, and gentle garden tours shaded beneath historic trees. Older adults benefit from stroller- and scooter-friendly paths, interpretive talks, and calm riverside views.  Nearby, the Berne Davis Botanical Garden—a peaceful, pocket garden—offers quiet shaded strolls through curated tropical plantings.

For immersive nature, head to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,500-acre wetland preserve with a 1.2‑mile boardwalk trail winding through cypress swamps, wild birds, and a museum visitor center that's perfect for shade breaks and nature spotting.  The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in North Fort Myers provides indoor-outdoor balance—with short nature trails, live animal exhibits, butterfly garden, planetarium shows, and monthly nature talks. 

Community and learning opportunities are available through local senior resources: the Fort Myers Senior Center, Friendship Centers, and Lee County Senior Services offer wellness classes, social events, tech workshops, and volunteer opportunities to keep older adults engaged and connected. The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida also supports meal programs, health screenings, caregiver services, and referral to local activities. 

Cultural enrichment happens year-round. Wander historic downtown's River District via monthly Art Walks and Music Walks, or visit the Southwest Florida Museum of History, located in the restored railway depot, featuring local heritage exhibits and accessible layouts. 

Creative and culinary classes are offered through local art associations—from painting workshops at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association to garden-themed cooking demos in public parks and community centers. Older adults can also discover culinary education via Hy‑Vee classes or local cooperative extension events focused on nutritious, seasonal meals. 

Whether you're walking shaded lakeside trails, exploring living-history gardens, joining a wellness workshop, or learning a new healthy recipe, Fort Myers provides older adults with an active, social, and inspiring lifestyle that feels easy to enjoy every day.