Retirement Resources for North Kitsap’s Senior Citizens

North Kitsap County offers senior citizens a plethora of retirement resources. From housing and transportation options to different ways to get involved in the community, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, the abundance of activities ensures there is always something fun to do.

Activities & Community Involvement

First and foremost, North Kitsap County is home to many organizations that provide a range of activities. The Village Green Community Center in Kingston hosts pickleball, community yoga, baking classes, MahJong, Tai Chi, photography workshops, Kiwanis and Kingston Historical Society meetings, and more.

Offering programming for all ages, the Greater Hansville Community Center’s calendar includes informational lunches, community yard sales, as well as an annual classic car show.

If you live in or around Indianola, check out the Indianola Beach Improvement Club. The club’s activities calendar features weekly public and private events, and it can also be rented as an event space.

Poulsbo Parks & Recreation also offers activities for people of all ages. Check out their Summer 2024 Catalog. Active adult programming includes coffee hours, art therapy, and group fitness classes. Poulsbo is also home to the North Kitsap Senior Center. Resources, classes, and events can also be found through the Kitsap Regional Library. Each branch of the library offers all kinds of interesting ways to get connected, and there are many free offerings at every branch. Our libraries offer tax preparation assistance, genealogical study resources, knitting nights, sessions about healthy aging and Medicare, and much more.

If you’re a Tribal Elder in the Suquamish Tribe residing in Kitsap County, you can benefit from the Elders Program. This includes day trips, holiday gatherings, classes, home visits, and much more.

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Elder Program serves Elders with the greatest economic and social needs and includes well-balanced meals for Tribal seniors with home delivery five days a week. The goal is to “improve the quality of life for these individuals by fostering an environment where the dignity and pride—which they deserve—can grow and flourish.” You can learn more on their website.

The Bainbridge Island Senior/Community Center‘s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people as they age. They offer workshops, lectures, and outdoor activities like bike rides. Another great resource available on Bainbridge Island is the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network. It is a creative community for teens and adults with 10 well-equipped studios. These community workspaces offer tools as well as online and in-person classes. You can try your hand at weaving, 3D printing, novel writing, woodworking, jewelry making, and much more.

Transportation

There are many options in North Kitsap for accessing all these great activities. If driving is no longer an option, there are many public and private means of getting around. ACCESS and VanLink are programs from Kitsap Transit that offer flexibility outside routed systems. ACCESS is meant for seniors and those with disabilities. An application and eligibility must be verified before scheduling a ride. VanLink is a shared-cost program that serves people who qualify as low-income, veterans, disabled, or seniors.

North Kitsap is also home to ferry terminals if you want to take to the waters. Check out the Washington State Ferries for detailed schedules. Ferries run out of Port Orchard, Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, and Kingston. There is also the Kingston Fast Ferry that will get you to downtown Seattle in 40 minutes.

Living

As you age, you might prefer to stay in your home as long as possible, aging in place. On the other hand, entering a retirement community might sound enticing. To explore your options, check out the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care for retirement resources and planning assistance.

There are also a number of senior living facilities that offer a spectrum of care throughout North Kitsap County. For example, there are Martha & Mary senior apartment homes in Kingston and Poulsbo. Bainbridge Senior Living offers a range of care levels, from independence to memory care needs. Another option is Northwest Care Senior Living in Poulsbo. Again, this depends upon individual needs, and some services can be customized. It’s important to research each option. Try to connect with locals who live there or who have family members or friends who live there to get different perspectives. Many of our agents are longtime or lifelong locals who are well-connected. They can help you get more connected if needed.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you’d like to volunteer your time and/or your expertise to a local organization, Kitsap County has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Kitsap Regional Library has multiple Friends of the Library groups at its different branches. Crossroads Rotary of Kitsap, PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, Poulsbo Historical Society , and BARN are all fun ways to meet new people and make an impact. You can also check out this comprehensive list of community agencies seeking volunteers.

Retirement Resources for Additional Assistance

If you want even more resources, check out this 2024 Senior Resources guide. It contains contact information for everything from counseling to continuing education to Medicare. Additionally, you can find information about local hospitals and even hearing specialists. The guide also lists different living options and home health assistance programs.

North Kitsap offers multiple ways to enjoy your retirement. Whether you’re looking to have some fun and connect with others, or you’re considering a move, we have the resources you need to take the next step. And, if you still have questions, please feel free to reach out. We would be happy to assist you in any way we can.