Senior Living in Omaha: Everything You Need to Know

History of the area

The largest city in Nebraska, Omaha has a rich history dating to well before its founding in 1854. Once a trading post during the war of 1812, the area was also visited by Lewis and Clark in 1804 as they began their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean. Omaha was also briefly home to the Mormons on their way to Utah during the winter of 1846-47.

Settlement began in 1854 with the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act when developers in nearby Council Bluffs decided to create Omaha City, Nebraska Territory on the Missouri River. Served by steamboats, stage coaches and freight wagons Omaha grew into a transportation and supply hub and in 1863, President Lincoln recognized Omaha-Council Bluffs as the eastern terminus of the first transcontinental railroad.

As the Civil War began the population was approximately 1,880, but by the end of the 19th century the city boasted a population of about 100,000. Omaha continued to flourish through World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II when it produced aircraft on a site that is now U.S. Strategic Air Command Headquarters. Another early economic driver was the city’s dominance as a livestock market and meat processor.

Restaurants

Omaha’s long history in food and agriculture is reflected in its many wonderful restaurants. For casual dining try Jackson Street Tavern for American cuisine as well as wine, beer and cocktails. Enjoy excellent steak and other specialties at the Drover, or choose from the broad responsibly sourced seafood menu at Plank Seafood Provisions. For upscale dining 801 Chophouse in Old Market offers a diverse menu in an elegant setting, savor classic and innovative French cuisine at Le Bouillion, or experience traditional northern Italian at Avoli Osteria.

» Read about Dining in Omaha.

Fresh & local

Eating fresh is always best and Omaha has plenty of farmers markets to try. From March through October the Omaha Farmers Market is open in Old Market on Saturdays and in Aksarben Village on Sundays featuring dozens of vendors of produce, meats, baked goods, coffees and tea, products like snacks, spices and prepared foods as well as arts and crafts.

Another excellent option is the Gifford Park Neighborhood Market open Friday evenings June through September with produce, home-made foods, kids activities, and food trucks for every taste.

Of course, going straight to the farm is always a good idea and Wenninghoff’s Farmer’s Market is ripe with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as honey, jams, meats, eggs, and plants from July through October.

Fitness & swimming

Get fit and stay that way at First Row Fitness with personal training, classes and nutrition or enjoy the fitness choices at Midtown Crossing Genesis Health Club offering personal trainers, classes, mind-body yoga, Pilates, barre, massage, tanning, steam rooms and much more. Another option is the senior programs at the YMCA of Greater Omaha for low-impact and chair exercise, stretching and strength training, yoga, cycling and water aerobics and features Silver Sneakers and Renew Active insurance-supported programs. Swimmers can also get in their laps at the YMCA or at one of the City of Omaha’s indoor or outdoor public pools.

Walking trails

Walking is a joint friendly way to get exercise and fresh air and Omaha has many great trails to enjoy. For a look at the possibilities, checkout the Paths of Discovery Metro Area Trails System Map including Omaha and Council Bluffs and try the 3.1-mile-long Boulevard Trail that winds through historic midtown Omaha, the Tranquility Trail, a 5.6 mile loop for a moderate challenge, or the 144th Street Trail, an 8.5-mile asphalt and concrete trail to Standing Bear Lake with an additional 6-mile-long multipurpose path connecting to Wehrspann Lake and Chalco Hills Recreation Area.

Back to nature

Spending quiet time in nature is a way to refresh the spirit, and Heron Haven Wetland Sanctuary offers a look at one of the city’s last oxbow wetlands of the Big Papillion Creek with native plants, aquatic animals as well as excellent bird watching and photography opportunities.

Experience the Nebraska plains and rolling hills at Glacier Creek Preserve with 525 acres of diverse plant and animal communities and the 140-acre Allwine Prairie Tract, a restored tallgrass prairie area.

For a woodlands walk any time of year try Fontenelle Forest with a nature center and the Raptor Woodland Refuge.

For an amazing array of plants visit the Lauritzen Gardens with permanent and temporary exhibits, gardening classes, events, a visitor center, and more.

Golf

Get back to nature and improve your putt on one of Omaha’s public courses or try Eagle Run for a 9-hole par 3 or 9-hole executive course.

Volunteer opportunities

Research shows that older adults who volunteer live longer and healthier lives with lower mortality rates, a lower incidence of depression, and better mental and physical abilities. Among the many possibilities in Omaha are Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Midlands, Keep Omaha Beautiful, Nebraska Medicine, and Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. For more volunteer positions check out volunteermatch.org.