There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a good book – except a great group of people to share it with. Whether you’ve been a lifelong reader or are just recently discovering the joys of reading, starting a senior book club is a fun, fulfilling way to stay social, engaged, and mentally sharp.
So settle into a comfy chair, grab your reading glasses and a cup of tea, and let’s dive into how you can launch your very own senior book club.
Senior Book Clubs Promote Aging Well
Reading alone is powerful, but reading with others builds meaningful connections, helps you see new perspectives, and turns reading into a shared experience that encourages aging well, far beyond the page. A senior book club isn't just about the plot twists and page-turners; it also supports mental, social, and emotional senior wellness in fulfilling ways:
Mental Benefits of Senior Book Clubs
- Reading improves memory, focus, and cognitive function.
- Group discussions activate critical thinking and active listening skills, which are essential for aging well.
- Exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and characters boosts empathy and emotional intelligence.
Social Benefits of Senior Book Clubs
- Senior book clubs combat loneliness – one of the most common challenges among older adults – by creating opportunities for regular social connection. You’ll build a supportive network of friends with shared interests.
- Senior book clubs help you stay social in a low-pressure, quiet environment, which is great if you’re not a fan of large crowds or high-energy events.
- Group discussions build confidence and strengthen communication skills that are essential for aging well.
Emotional Benefits of Senior Book Clubs
- Stories can be deeply therapeutic. They help process life’s challenges with humor, hope, comfort, and perspective.
- Group discussions foster laughter, belonging, togetherness, purpose, and joy.
- Looking forward to senior book club meetings adds structure, routine, and motivation to your month.
How to Start a Senior Book Club
Starting a senior book club is incredibly rewarding – and not as hard as it may seem. Here’s how to bring your book club vision to life:
1. Pick a Theme (or Don’t)
Some senior book clubs stick to certain genres like historical fiction, romance, or thrillers. Others explore a wide range, from memoirs to poetry to novels. If you really enjoy one genre of book, start a senior book club solely for that category. If you’re less interested in genre and more in reading overall, try rotating themes – like fiction one month, nonfiction the next – to keep it fresh and engaging.
2. Gather Your Group
Who do you want to be a part of your senior book club? And how many people do you want to include?
We recommend starting with a small number. Four to eight people offers a lively but inclusive discussion. But some book clubs may be bigger, and sometimes it may be just you and your best friend!
Invite friends, neighbors, fellow church members, or ask your local community center or library to help spread the word. Many people are searching for hobbies for seniors and your club might be just what they’re looking for!
3. Choose a Book
This is the fun part! Select titles that spark conversation without being too lengthy or complex. Choose books available in large print, audiobook, or e-book formats if possible; accessibility helps everyone enjoy this wonderful hobby for seniors.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider something short and popular to get the conversation flowing. A few senior-friendly favorites include The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, and Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (nonfiction).
If you need help choosing a book, try these resources:
- Ask your local librarian: Librarians can recommend books, reserve multiple copies of the same book, lead you to large-print or audiobook versions, and provide discussion guides for your senior book club.
- Check your library’s website or newsletter: Here you can find staff picks, upcoming author events, book lists by genre, and other relevant classes or hobbies for seniors.
- Try a book club kit: Many libraries and online resources offer “book-club-in-a-bag.” This kit includes everything you need to get your senior book club up and running, like multiple copies of the same book and an associated folder with discussion topics and questions.
- Explore online resources: Goodreads, Reading Group Choices, The New York Times Best Sellers List, Reese’s Picks, Oprah’s Picks, and AARP’s book section can all be great places to find recommendations and discussion guides.
Need help choosing a book as a group? Try these strategies:
- Vote Each Month: Have each member suggest a book, then vote.
- Themed Months: Historical fiction one month, memoir the next.
- Author Spotlight: Choose several books by the same author.
- Movie Adaptations: Read the book, then watch the movie or series.
5. Organize Your Senior Book Club Meetings
Once you’ve got your crew and your first book, it’s time to plan your meetups.
How Often to Meet
Monthly meetings work well for most seniors. This gives enough time to finish the book without losing momentum. But if you have a group of avid readers, once every two weeks is an ambitious goal.
Routines support senior wellness by creating a regular social rhythm, so try to meet the same day and time each month, like 7pm the first Tuesday of each month.
Where to Meet
Now it’s time to choose a cozy, convenient place to meet. Make sure it’s comfortable, accessible, and welcoming. You can host your senior book club at:
- A member’s home (rotate each month)
- Local library
- Coffee shop or park
- Community center or clubhouse
Don’t let transportation stop you from getting there. GoGo Rides helps seniors stay connected by providing reliable transportation. You can even set up recurring rides so you always have transportation to your senior book club. And since you’re not driving, you can even read a few chapters on the way!
P.S. Recommend GoGo to other members of your book club to ensure everyone has a safe way to attend!
What to Do at the Meeting
Every group finds its own rhythm, but here’s a sample agenda for your meetings:
- Catch up and grab a snack (coffee and cookies are always a hit!)
- Discuss your favorite and least favorite parts of the book
- Share reflections, personal stories, and interpretations
- Pick the next book and confirm your next meeting
Want to add some fun? Themed snacks, guest speakers, or a short movie based on the book can all bring a little extra sparkle to this beloved hobby for seniors.
Creative Ways to Keep Your Senior Book Club Fun
A great book is just the beginning. Here are some ideas to make your senior book club feel fresh and exciting:
- Book & Brunch: Meet earlier in the day to enjoy brunch food items while you chat. You could even bring mimosas or sangria if GoGo Rides is taking you home!
- Book & a Movie: Read the book, then watch the film adaptation together.
- Travel Through Stories: Read novels from different countries or time periods that make you feel like you’re traveling, right from the comfort of your home.
- Read Down Memory Lane: Let each member choose a childhood favorite and let them lead the discussion for that week.
- Guest Speakers: Invite a local author or librarian for a Q&A on the book.
- DIY Bookmarks: Craft together by making bookmarks or book jackets. A senior book club doesn’t have to be reading only!
- Blind Date with a Book: Every member wraps a book they love in brown paper and writes a few teaser clues. You swap books and discover something new!
Getting There with GoGo
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t reading the book – it’s getting to the meeting. If you want a hassle-free trip, GoGo Rides is a reliable way to stay active and engaged in your favorite hobbies for seniors.
All you have to do is call a friendly GoGo operator to schedule a ride – no smartphone needed. You can book a same-day ride or schedule a recurring trip to your monthly senior book club. You bring the book, and let GoGo handle the transportation.
Start Your Next Chapter Today
Starting a senior book club is one of the most rewarding ways to boost senior wellness, stay connected, and support aging well. It's more than just reading; it's about discovering new worlds, building friendships, and making memories along the way. Soon enough, you’ll have a tight-knit group of reading companions who help each other laugh, reflect, and thrive through your golden years.
Need a lift to your next meeting? Book a reliable ride with GoGo Rides, so you can focus your energy on launching the senior book club of your dreams.
