By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Next week, Coral Gables once again will celebrate Senior Citizens Week with a full slate of 19 free events — ranging from health screenings and fraud prevention to self-defense classes, Bitcoin basics, and an old-fashioned ice cream social.

The program, running Monday, Aug. 18, through Friday, Aug. 22, is organized by the city’s Adult Activity Center (AAC) at 2 Andalusia Ave. While the city offers year-round programming for residents 50 and older, this concentrated week of activities highlights the breadth of opportunities available.

“We are proud to celebrate and honor the wealth of wisdom our seniors bring and come together as a community to learn, laugh, and connect,” said Norma Gavarrete, AAC manager. “Our goal is to enrich, not just inform.” Each day features programs tailored to support well-being and engagement.

Monday, Aug. 18 — Health and memory

The week begins at 10 a.m. with coffee, pastelitos, and one-on-one assistance from volunteers with Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (S.H.I.N.E.), who will answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance until noon. At 1 p.m., Dr. Philip Harvey leads a session for those concerned about memory loss, introducing the COGIT-2 Study and offering activities such as memory tests, brain MRI scans, crossword puzzles, and health education.

Tuesday, Aug. 19 — Aging well and staying connected

At 10 a.m., the University of Miami McKnight Brain Institute presents “Nine Necessities of Healthy Aging,” paired with coffee and pastelitos. At 11:30 a.m., the Coral Gables Community Foundation hosts “What Will Your Legacy Be?” with lunch provided. The day concludes at 1 p.m. with Michie Olivia demonstrating the CapTel captioned telephone, which displays every word a caller says, and explaining how to receive one at no cost.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 — Safety, skills, and fitness

The busiest day of the week begins at 9:30 a.m. with “Breakfast with a Speaker,” featuring Delia Romero of Interim Healthcare Services and Dr. Hana Finn from Miami Podiatry, P.A., on foot health.

At 11 a.m., Coral Gables Crime Watch, the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission hold a joint session on identity theft, investment scams, and fraud.

At 12 p.m., Crime Watch leaders explain their mission, share updates on local issues, and offer lunch.

The afternoon is packed:

• 12:30 p.m. – Self-defense class with the Coral Gables Police Department
• 1:30 p.m. – Adult CPR and First Aid training with the Coral Gables Fire Department
• 2:30 p.m. – The city’s first-ever Pet CPR session, also with the fire department (service animals only)
• 3:30 p.m. – Traffic safety tips for seasoned drivers from the American Automobile Association (AAA)

Thursday, Aug. 21 — Resources and planning

At 10 a.m., Arthur Currie from Home Watch CareGivers and Viviana Laboy of 305 Seniors outline local services available to older residents. At 1 p.m., Open Arms Community Center presents on the Aging-in-Place Older Adults Home Modification Program, explaining ways to adapt homes for long-term safety and accessibility. At 2:30 p.m., Baptist Health offers physician lectures, health screenings, and related wellness information.

Friday, Aug. 22 — Legal insight and a sweet sendoff

Friday begins at 9 a.m. with attorney Steve Lindle speaking on Florida elder law, Medicaid planning, and estate administration. At 11:30 a.m., there’s a presentation on Bitcoin, with lunch provided by The Palace. The week wraps up at 1 p.m. with the End of Summer Ice Cream Social, giving participants a chance to connect, celebrate, and hear the winners of the AAC Senior Week raffle.

A community celebration

Senior Citizens Week has long been a fixture on the city’s calendar, showcasing the contributions and vitality of Coral Gables’ older residents. While some sessions tackle serious topics such as fraud prevention, legal planning, and health screenings, others focus on fitness, technology, and social connection.

The AAC notes that each event attended enters participants into the raffle, with the prize drawing set for Friday’s ice cream social.

Logistics and registration

Complimentary valet parking will be available across the street at The Palace. Free parking is also offered in the garage above the AAC with validation, available at the Registration Office.

All programs are free, but space is limited. The city encourages residents to reserve spots early, especially for high-demand sessions like self-defense, CPR training, and the legal planning workshop.

For the full schedule and registration details, visit coralgables.com/events/senior-citizens-week or call 305-461-6765.