As we get older, many of us discover that we have a lot more free time. Many of us retire or choose to work part-time, and we suddenly find ourselves with endless hours to fill. Staying physically and socially active is especially important for older adults. This will not only keep you from becoming bored or lonely, but it will also lower your risk of developing a variety of health problems. The solution is to keep a hobby, and we have put together a list of hobbies for seniors to explore and try out.
Reading
What better way to unwind than by immersing yourself in a good book? It’s also beneficial to one’s mental health. Also, did you know that reading can improve your mental health? Set a goal of reading one book per week. If you prefer to listen to your books, there are also audiobooks available.
Exercise
If physical activity isn’t already a part of your daily routine, now is the time to start. No other activity is likely to provide the same level of physical, mental, and emotional satisfaction. “A healthy body, a healthy mind,” as the adage goes, still holds. It’s even more important as we get older to stay limber and mobile so that our muscles don’t deteriorate. We must maintain our physical strength as we age and wish to remain at home.
Walking
If the weather is right, this may be as simple as going for a walk around the block or going to a park and walking through the woods, paved walkways while inhaling fresh air, and maintaining your motor skills in tip-top shape. You can also consider picking up a local hiking guide to wander further if you want a little more excitement.
Walking may also be a good way for elders to keep their minds fresh as they get older. A University of Virginia study of males aged 71 to 93 revealed that those who walked a quarter mile or more each day had half the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as those who did not.
Crafts
Your loved ones can choose from an endless variety of crafts, such as needlepoint, woodworking, scrapbooking, and knitting. Perhaps you have a favorite craft, such as decoupage, that you could revive. Alternatively, take up a new hobby! You won’t be short on craft ideas if you pick up a copy of Martha Stewart’s Living magazine. There are a plethora of DIY projects to choose from. Making greeting cards or filling a recipe box or book with all of your family’s favorites are two simple and enjoyable craft projects.
Gardening
You can start a garden whether you have a huge backyard or just a small deck, patio, porch. All you require is a substantial amount of indoor space to start your gardening journey. These days, container gardening is widely popular due to the benefit of not being constrained by space. Gardening for your loved ones, whether you start with seeds or plants, is therapeutic and extremely rewarding because you can see your labor of love flourish and reap the benefits of your labor.
