Senior Playgrounds
Here and there in Munich (and in Germany all over) are outdoor spaces designed especially for senior residents to entertain themselves and socialize. In some places, such as Nuremberg, there are even arranged and state-owned playgrounds for seniors, which look a bit like the ones for kids, but instead of swings and slides there are exercise and balancing tools, plus nice benches to rest on. Along with card-playing tables and, of course, beer hut, these outdoor spaces make for good gathering places for the senior men of Munich. Perhaps the most common of these amenities are the public chessboards where many men hang out, play chess, or—even better—comment when the others play. These chessboards have popped up along the Isar River as well as in the middle of the city’s Perlach Forest.

Spontaneous Play
Any public place that is peaceful and has a gravel ground is good enough for boule! The Park of the Residenz—a former castle—is one such example in Munich. On a sunny day it’s usually full of boule players, many of whom are seniors, in addition to a mix of generations and cultures. Because the park is located on one of Munich’s main walking streets, Sunday strollers often stop to watch the games. In addition to these passing spectators, many of the senior men’s wives can be found on the sidelines, sitting on foldable stools and cheering.

Girl talk
Germany, like many of European countries, has a strong coffee-and-cake culture. In Munich, as women mature into seniority and have more free time, they often meet up in the traditional cafés for coffee, Sachertorte, and chitchat. On a nice enough day, many sit outside, but sitting at a window to watch people pass and comment on their clothing and behavior is just as suitable. These women would never set foot in a Starbucks. No, we’re talking thin, floral-decorated porcelain cups containing old-fashioned brewed coffee, accompanied by a nice big piece of over-the-top decorated German cake, fabric tablecloths, and chandeliers hanging overhead.

Shopping
In the daytime, the Munich food markets and shops are normally quite full of senior residents doing their grocery shopping. At this time of day, seniors get the help they need. You can taste a bit of this or that, choose your tomatoes slowly and carefully, and look for bargains—all without risk of being pushed around by a herd of stressed out nine-to-fivers rushing to put dinner on the table.

Touring
Munich is located in the middle of Central Europe, which is dense with old cities and historic destinations. Just two hours outside of Munich, one can find a number of towns, villages, churches, the Alps, and other interesting places to visit. For many seniors, taking an arranged tour bus is a fun, easy, and affordable way to meet new people and see interesting sights, while being fed, informed, and entertained. And there are plenty of tours to choose from: day trips, weekend tours, or week-long tours. Some have themes, such as this Fasching (an annual Mardi Gras-like festival) trip to a nice hotel in the Alps, including dinner, a costume party, and dancing.