Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
5 FREE resources for Jefferson County seniors: rides, lunches + a glam pageant
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Did you know seniors across Jefferson County can get free access to transportation, educational lunches, wellness events, memory screenings and even fun events like an annual pageant?
We sat down with the county’s Senior Services division to learn more about free ways to help older adults stay active, connected and engaged in the Birmingham area—here are a few programs and events worth knowing about and how to get involved.
FREE opportunities for Jefferson County seniors
1. Seniors can enter the annual Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant
Have a passion for fashion, an active lifestyle and enjoy a little time in the spotlight? The Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant could be for you.
The annual pageant has been going on for more than 40 years and is open to women ages 60–79 who have lived in Jefferson County for at least a year. Contestants compete in two age categories: 60–69 and 70–79, or “super senior.”
There’s no talent competition. Instead, contestants participate in an active lifestyle segment, runway modeling and an evening gown competition.
Hosted at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium, the pageant is free to enter and open to the public.
Applications open Oct. 1, 2026 and close Jan. 29, 2027—see 2027 application here.
2. Free + confidential memory screenings
Wondering how your memory is doing—or concerned about changes you’ve noticed in yourself or a loved one? Jefferson County Senior Services offers free, confidential memory screenings throughout the year as a designated screening site for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
The screenings can be scheduled with Senior Services at 205-325-5567 or brought directly to a facility or community where seniors gather. A typical screening session runs from 9AM-noon, with two people scheduled every 15 minutes.
Afterward, participants receive a score they can take with them. That information can be helpful to share with a caregiver or doctor as a starting point for further conversation or follow-up.
3. Free events that make it easy to get out + socialize
For seniors who want to build community and socialize with others, there are plenty of activities geared toward seniors, including weekly games and holiday events.
Every year, Jefferson County Senior Services hosts a Holiday Cheer Celebration, featuring live entertainment, holiday decorations, food, door prizes and plenty of opportunities for seniors, caretakers and anyone else who needs a warm meal and some good company. This year’s event will take place on December 11, 2026 at the Bill Harris Arena by the Birmingham Cross Plex from 9AM-1PM.
Here are a few area senior centers to find more free educational events all year round:
4. Seniors can learn something new over lunch
Every second Tuesday, Senior Services hosts Expanding Knowledge, a one-hour community lunch meeting from noon to 1PM at Medicare Advisors of Alabama in Vestavia Hills. Seniors, caregivers and professionals are invited to hear from different community programs and organizations about services that can help older adults.
Across Jefferson County, community senior centers host frequent lunch-and-learns, covering topics like health and wellness, fall prevention and fraud prevention with a free lunch included. In fact, Senior Services also partners with Alabama Cooperative Extension and Alabama A&M University to offer technology classes for seniors, including instruction on cell phone and computer use.
Want to get notified about monthly lunch + learns? Email Dedra Lewis or call 205-325-5567
5. FREE transportation to senior centers
No longer driving? Seniors 60+ have a few transportation options to help them get where they need to go:
- Senior center rides: Seniors must first enroll as a participant at their local senior center, then request transportation through the center manager if they live near the center. At some locations, rides are available Monday-Friday, including transportation to and from the center. Seniors can also take advantage of group field trips.
- Medical appointments: Need a ride to a doctor’s appointment? Seniors can apply for transportation through Clastran Transportation by completing and downloading the application online.
Questions about senior center transportation? Call Senior Services at 205-325-5567.
How can Jefferson County seniors stay in-the-know?
One of the easiest ways to find out about upcoming programs is to get on Senior Services’ monthly mailing list. Information is shared electronically and by mail for seniors who don’t use email.
Just email Dedra Lewis or call 205-325-5567 to get on the mailing list.
And if you’re ready for your pageant moment? Don’t forget to mark Oct. 1 on your calendar and send in your Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant application.
From transportation and technology classes to wellness events, social gatherings and resources that can help seniors stay connected, Jefferson County Senior Services is focused on making sure older adults know what’s available.
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