When you participate in new activities and develop an interest in them, you can turn them into great hobbies! Learning and picking up new hobbies are great ways for seniors to meaningfully spend their time. Are you keen on doing arts and crafts? How about joining a singing group or signing up for dance classes? If you live in a senior living community with convenient amenities nearby, you will have many options to choose from! As seniors, we are encouraged to be physically active, and to try new hobbies. Do you know that hobbies can provide us with fulfilling and enriching experiences that’ll in turn improve our health and wellbeing? Here are some hobbies for seniors that you should consider trying!
Exercising Regularly
Regular exercise has many known physical, emotional and mental benefits. This includes improvement of strength and balance, prevention of diseases like diabetes, and improvement in mood and behavior. Many studies have shown that when seniors are engaged in physical activities, they tend to be happier and healthier. Walking is a low-impact exercise and taking a slow stroll in the park every morning can kick-start a more active lifestyle! There are also fun classes that you can attend like low-intensive yoga and dance. Exercise is a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy!
Pursuing Artistic Hobbies
Seniors can pursue artistic hobbies that include learning an instrument, singing, dancing, painting, and knitting. Engaging in these activities is known to decrease stress levels and improve emotional health. When you are given an avenue to create and express yourself through different means, you’ll be able to discover more about yourself and your own capabilities. The ability to learn something new never fails to give seniors a sense of pride and reinforces a positive sense of self.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to increase a sense of ownership in seniors. Seeing the fruits of your own labor can be a great boost to your morale, and you’ll be encouraged to continue tending to your garden! When you’re outdoors, you’ll also get natural doses of vitamin D from the sun which helps you to absorb calcium. Research has also shown that spending time outdoors can protect against degenerative brain disorders.
If you join a community garden, you will also get opportunities to meet and socialize with like-minded people. Moreover, gardening connects you to nature, and gives you a great sense of purpose and control over your life.
Reading
Reading a book of interest can stimulate your mind. It improves cognitive functions and helps with your memory. Reading also broadens your understanding of the world and allows you to see things from different perspectives. If you are reading the news, it is a good way for you to learn about what is happening around the world.
Cooking
Seniors can learn new recipes to cook for their families and friends. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment every time you master a new recipe. When you prepare your own meals, you’ll also have control over what ingredients to use, and can ensure that you and your loved ones eat fresh, nutritious food. Cooking is a great hobby that can be done with a loved one as part of a bonding activity too.
Playing Games
Playing games can keep seniors engaged. Stimulating the brain with pictures and numbers can also help improve your memory. Games you can play include board games, word games, puzzles, and card games. Allow your family members to pick a game they enjoy and play it with them! Games can be great ways to strengthen relationships with loved ones.
Interacting with Neighbors
Interacting with neighbors is a great way to spend your time! Socializing and having conversations require focus and interpersonal skills which are honed through practice. By spending time to connect with the people in your community, you can fend off loneliness and experience a sense of wellbeing.
