Finding the right way to spend time can make all the difference to your quality of life during retirement. We all know that staying active is a significant key to aging well, as it promotes good health, a sharp mind, and an overall sense of well-being, but hobbies provide a sense of task, purpose, fun and accomplishment as well. Some great hobbies for a senior to start during their retirement could be:
- Reading and writing
- Gardening
- Volunteer work
- Fitness
- Traveling
- Painting or drawing
- Dancing
Keep in mind that there are countless hobbies that a senior could get into during their retirement. It ultimately depends on an individual’s likes and dislikes. There isn’t a right or wrong way for a senior to enjoy their retirement—it’s their retirement after all. These golden years should be a time for personal exploration and enjoying the fruits of the hard work they put in throughout their lives.
Retirement Hobbies You Can Try Today
These hobby suggestions can all start as a jumping point for the next big adventure. Maybe a senior has loved reading their entire life then with the extra time they have during retirement, they decide to start writing. The possibilities are endless.
Reading & Writing
One of the most relaxing, informative, and enriching hobbies for seniors is reading and writing. Reading books, nonfiction and fiction alike offer excitement and opportunities to learn about different cultures, times, and places. On the other hand, writing can aid seniors in recollecting memories or transforming their own experiences or fantasies into literature. We are a storytelling species, and this is a great opportunity to embrace that.
Gardening
A garden is the promise of a prosperous future. Starting a garden can be the perfect hobby for seniors who love the great outdoors. From planting new seeds to tending the plants, this hobby keeps them busy and active while providing a beautiful space for relaxation. For seniors who can’t manage a full garden space, lawn care can be an effective and fun alternative.
Gardening can also provide socialization opportunities because many towns or senior living communities have community gardens where people can come together to grow beautiful flowers, plants, and even vegetables to share.
Volunteer work
People don’t work only for money. When there are things that need doing, it feels good to help get them done. Retirement offers a perfect opportunity to give back to your community. Seniors can select from a range of activities such as mentoring, charity work, and other fulfilling community services. These opportunities can also help them make lasting connections.
Fitness
It’s never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle, and low-impact fitness hobbies like Yoga and Tai Chi can provide multiple benefits for seniors, such as better flexibility, balance, and mental wellness. Fitness is not only beneficial to the body but also helps to reduce stress and improve sleep habits.
Traveling
Retirement can be a great time to finally go on that dream holiday. Seniors can travel to exotic destinations they have always wanted to see, with no set time limit on when they can return. Traveling not only brings joy but can also help to create memories that last forever.
Part of the fun of travel can also be in the preparation. Maps, guidebooks, research and test packing all serve to build up the excitement for an adventure away.
Painting or Drawing
Art is all about self expression, that can be explored at any stage of life. Painting or drawing are great hobbies for seniors who want to express their creativity. These hobbies allow seniors to explore their artistic side. Plus, these activities can reduce stress and boost their mental health. Seniors can join local painting groups to learn and engage with other artists, or they can opt to work independently to create beautiful masterpieces.
Dancing
Dancing is an excellent hobby for seniors who want to stay physically active and blow off steam. Dancing improves balance, strength, and flexibility. Furthermore, dancing with a partner helps to socialize and create new friendships. Seniors can take dancing lessons and join groups to stay engaged and learn new dance styles.
Why Is Staying Active Important for Seniors?
There are a few reasons that physical and mental activity are crucial for seniors.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Regular exercise helps seniors maintain a healthy weight. It can become more difficult to burn calories as we age due to decreased activity, and we may feel less motivated to exercise or move around.
This is a big reason why the CDC recommends a few guidelines for senior activity levels. They recommend at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or some combination of both. The idea is to stay moving as much as possible—even as we age.
Boosts Cognitive & Mental Health
Engaging in physical activity has proven benefits to mental and cognitive health. Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to develop cognitive decline and may experience improved memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. Exercise can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are prevalent among older adults.
Increases Social Interaction
Social interactions tend to decline for various reasons, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones or friends, and decreased mobility as we age. But regular physical activity can provide opportunities for seniors to connect with others who share similar interests. Seniors can join fitness classes, take up a new sport, or participate in group exercise sessions that foster social connection and community building.
Find Out How We Support an Active Lifestyle
One of the beautiful things about a senior living community is how easy it can be to access some of the things we discussed. If a senior is unsure of what they want to pursue, the caregivers can offer knowledgeable suggestions that apply to the older adult’s abilities and desires.
Contact our compassionate team at The Legacy at Crystal Falls. We’re happy to show you the community and how we can promote a healthy, active lifestyle for you or your loved one.