For Our Neighbors

As part of the longstanding Franke Tobey Jones mission “to enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community,” we provide many opportunities for seniors outside of Franke Tobey Jones to participate in our programs, which include the following.

Fitness Program

Franke Tobey Jones is a leader in senior fitness in Pierce County with a comprehensive program developed by a nationally recognized wellness consultant. The program at our active senior living community has been a hallmark of our campus since 1998. Our holistic, preventative program improves quality of life and maintains independence as long as possible. Exercise helps maintain mental and physical health, and enhances the quality of life while prolonging independence. Participating in exercise programs results in improved self-esteem, self-confidence and intellectual performance. Socialization encourages a more positive emotional well-being and participants enjoy a strong sense of pride. A large indoor walking track runs along the inside perimeter of the building allowing participants to stay active regardless of the weather outside. An open, spacious classroom gives participants ample room to take part in the classes taught by our energetic and knowledgeable certified instructors. Participants appreciate the lockers, showers and handicapped accessible restrooms.

Senior University

The Senior University at our retirement home in Tacoma provides a wealth of lifelong learning programs for residents and community members age 55 or better. This educational and cultural program designed for seniors is unique to Pierce County. Senior University offers the opportunity to build skills, explore new subjects and enjoy the learning process with others. Lecturers and instructors are experts in their fields hailing from local colleges and universities, businesses, not-for-profits and cultural organizations, along with others who have retired with rich career experiences. Most classes are offered free of charge as a public service to the Tacoma-Pierce County community. No degree or level of educational experience is necessary to join a Senior University class, just an urge to learn and grow. Franke Tobey Jones Senior University enjoys partnerships with many local cultural and educational organizations, including the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma Historical Society, Museum of Glass, Tacoma Opera, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, Tacoma Art Museum, Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care, Northwest Sinfonietta, Northwest Repertory Singers, and Metro Parks Tacoma. 

Senior Center

The Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center, just a mile from our active adult community, is operated by Franke Tobey Jones. Seniors 55 and older can join in fun events and activities, stay active and healthy, make new friends, enjoy a healthy meal, and share experiences. Thousands of program participants come each year for exercise, computer classes, lunch, language classes, health screenings and more. They come to see their old friends and make new ones. Some people come for the trips, while others simply come for coffee and companionship. You’ll find some here every day and others here for their favorite activities. This is the life that fills the Pt. Defiance-Ruston Senior Center. Participants benefit from nutritious meals, exercise classes, health screenings, computer classes and much more.  

Summer Concerts on the Lawn

Every summer Franke Tobey Jones hosts a wide variety of live summer concerts on our campus, all for free to the public.  These concerts are hosted every Thursday night in August from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Guests are invited to bring family, friends, lawn chairs, blankets, and/or a picnic dinner.

Senior Prom

Each year, Franke Tobey Jones hosts a senior prom for anyone age 55 or older.  It’s held at the McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood. This is a fun way for seniors to kick up their heels or simply listen to great music along with your friends and peers. Seniors can dress up or down, have their prom photo taken and enjoy light refreshments. The McGavick Conference Center is a wonderful venue that allows plenty of space for sitting, mingling, dancing and watching with community members and friends that gather for this annual dance.

Tacoma Senior Community Tour

If seniors are thinking about moving into a retirement community and just don’t know where to start looking or what questions to ask, then the Tacoma Senior Living Community Tour might be just the thing. Twice a year, five senior living communities in Tacoma – Franke Tobey Jones, The Weatherly Inn, Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community, Narrows Glen and Merrill Gardens – come together and offer a one-day tour (10:00am to 3:00pm) of all five communities. We want to help seniors find the very best community that will fit their wants, needs, desires, location and budget. 

Annual Wellness Walk

Each year in early September we host the FTJ Wellness Walk and Fair. It is free and open to all people age 55 or older. Participants have the option of walking 1/8^th of a mile up to one mile, on and around our campus. The Health Fair will be open during and after the walk. Talk to health care professionals and pickup brochures regarding a variety of wellness topics. If you have not yet joined our Senior Wellness program, which is open to the community at large, this is an easy way to find out more about it in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Talk with those already participating and learn how to be a healthier, less stressed well person. 

Senior Art Show

Franke Tobey Jones hosts the Senior Art Show every other year in the fall. This is a first-of-its-kind event in Pierce County, and the art submissions come from throughout the state of Washington. The juried gallery of typically nearly 100 works created within the past two years features artists age 55 or older.  Typically the Senior Art Show then moves to the Tacoma Art Museum or another public location in Tacoma.