Many people see retirement as a time of great opportunity, when they can take up new hobbies or finally pursue long-held dreams. Others realize the transition is rockier, feeling disconnected and adrift without the structure of work in their lives.
These elderly retirees could have greater mobility and everyday activity issues, along with more illnesses and deteriorating mental health. For some people, their jobs defined who they were, and so when they lost them, they could feel directionless and purposeless.
Gaining new skills and new hobbies for seniors can help to change this sad way of thinking. Older adults can utilize their newly found, abundant leisure time to pursue meaningful hobbies that they actually enjoy, and give greater purpose and meaning to their lives.
The activities in which certain seniors can engage may be limited. There are numerous hobbies for seniors which are ideal for those who are sedentary. Even with a constrained body, you can improve your health in the long term significantly by engaging your mind.
Choosing One of Many Hobbies For Seniors
Now let’s find out what kinds of hobbies might be suitable for you. Consider your hobbies along with any limitations. Take a closer look to see what kinds of hobbies may be perfect for you. Consider the following:
Was There a Previous Hobby You Never Had The Time For?
Consider the past, going back perhaps even to your early years. Some of the things we enjoy as children can provide us with the greatest of joys later in life. Why not take up an old hobby again? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Would You Prefer Group Or Solo Hobbies For Seniors?
Photography, bird watching, painting, and candle making are examples of solo hobbies for seniors. On the other hand, card games, traveling, RVing, and swing dancing are examples of group activities.
Would You Enjoy an Indoor or Outdoor Hobby?
Choosing an indoor activity that carers can help you with is necessary if you are a patient receiving home care. This could be playing computer games, bird watching, or crafting jewelry. Or maybe you’d prefer to spend more time outside. Consider your favorite outdoor activities and choose those that spark your curiosity.
Have You Ever Had The Desire To Do Something But Never Found The Opportunity?
Did you ever notice or learn about something that sparked your interest during your working years? Maybe you thought you’d like it, however, you were too preoccupied at the time. The time has come to engage it, then!
Would You Rather Try a New Activity on Land or the Water?
Try swimming, boating, fishing, or snorkeling if you live near a body of water. Try trekking, axe throwing, or horseback riding if you’re on land.
Would You Like To Find A Challenge For Your Mental or Physical Capabilities?
Learning a new language, reading, or playing games can be good options for you if you want to improve your mental acuity. Consider taking up bowling, pickleball, aerobics, or golf if you want to do something more athletic.
Do You Want to Find a New Online Hobby?
Learn more about online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Try out a new app that you think may be useful to you. Consider purchasing or selling items on eBay, Etsy, or Amazon. You could also subscribe to podcasts that you find interesting. Alternatively, think about joining a group of online gamers to meet new people.
These insightful questions should have sparked your motivation. Maybe you’ve already thought of a brand-new hobby that you’d want to engage in. If you are still at a loss for what to do, check out this list of some of our favorite senior hobby suggestions.
Do You Want To Engage In A Hobby That Makes a Difference in Your Community And Gives You a Sense of Purpose?
Consider fostering an animal, fundraising, or volunteering if this is the case. You might also think about taking online classes to learn something you can use in your everyday routine to help others. A good example would be to enroll in a culinary class and serve your loved ones delicious meals.
10 Favorite Hobbies for the Elderly
1. Crafts and Arts
Arts and crafts are strong forms of self-expression. Whether you feel talented or not, connect with your inner artist. The feeling of losing yourself in your work will help you relieve stress while also enhancing your cognitive and motor abilities.
Furthermore, whatever you produce can be given to the world as a gift. You’ll be motivated to work on more projects if you can use your art to uplift and cheer up others. This will become increasingly valuable as your ability develops. Here are some fun arts and crafts projects that seniors enjoy:
- Knitting
- Photography
- Painting
- Pottery
- Jewelry-making
- Ornament-making
- Scrapbooking
- Woodworking
- Quilting
2. Gardening
The advantages of gardening are endless, and they don’t stop with luring magnificent birds into your backyard. It takes a lot of physical exertion, which allows you to spend excess calories and build your muscles. Vitamin D from sunshine, relaxing effects from interacting with nature–what more could you ask for? In addition, raised beds or vertical planting will reduce the pressure on your back and joints.
Remember the perfect plants to grow there as well as the environment you reside in. Although native species are always a safe bet, here are some suggestions for quick and simple plants to plant:
Flowers:
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Sweet peas
- Nigella
- Nasturtiums
- Pansy
- Fuschias
Herbs:
- Rosemary
- Chives
- Mint
- Basil
- Lavender
- Parsley
- Thyme
Fruits and vegetables:
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Bell peppers
- Garlic
- Raspberries
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Squash
- Zucchini
3. Playing Games
You can play games at any age. Games aren’t just for children. Games can be beneficial to seniors, aiding in memory and other cognitive functions. Exercising with the brain may help to slow down the progression of dementia.
Game playing improves not only cognitive function but also promotes social interaction. Seniors often experience isolation and loneliness, which can be avoided by playing with their young grandchildren or a steady group of friends. Play some of the following games with your loved ones, have a good time together, and have fun.
Card games:
- Bridge
- UNO
- Rummy
- Old Main
- Canasta
- Crazy Eights
- Cribbage
- Spades
- Pinochle
Puzzle, Tile, and Board Games:
- Dominos
- Monopoly
- Chess
- Scrabble
- Backgammon
- Cranium
- Trivial Pursuit
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Mahjong
- Checkers
- Jenga
Word and Number Games:
- Word Search
- Sudoku
- Crossword puzzles
- Boggle
- Balderdash
- Scattergories
Video/Computer/Phone Games:
- Candy Crush Saga
- Bejeweled
- Words with Friends 2
- Puyo Puyo Tetris
- World of Warcraft
4. Reading
Books provide a wonderful way to let our imaginations run wild, but reading also benefits senior citizens’ cognitive functioning. It may even assist in postponing the start of Alzheimer’s symptoms as well as other types of dementia. Having these cognitive benefits can help to extend one’s life. Here are a few advantages of reading:
Improved Sleep
Reading a book before bedtime is more likely to help you fall asleep quicker than changing the channel on the television. This is due to the fact that making reading a regular bedtime habit will inform your body that it is time to sleep. TV not only keeps you awake longer, but it can also disrupt your sleep. The story might even continue in your dreams if you pick up a book instead.
Improves Memory
According to studies, persons who engage their brains by reading have slower rates of memory degradation than non-readers. If you start reading regularly right away, even if it’s been years since you haven’t, you may be able to 32% slow down the rate at which your cognitive abilities deteriorate.
Reading makes use of your brain’s short-term memory, which helps you remember earlier chapters of the book. Consequently, everyday activities may become easier as your short-term memory improves.
Additionally, by doing this, you can change the way your brain functions so that it is more amenable to learning and that it can hold onto information for much longer.
Delays the Start of Diseases Related To Memory
Your brain develops a store of neural interconnections when you take part in challenging tasks. With much more brain-challenging tasks, dementia or Alzheimer’s will have a harder time destroying these neurons, delaying the onset of symptoms.
Improves Decision-making Capabilities
Reading can help you improve your abilities to evaluate and reason in order to solve challenges. This is a skill that deteriorates throughout maturity.
Reduces Stress
Losing track of time in a book has been proven to alleviate stress so much faster than any other calming hobbies, such as listening to music, having a cup of tea, or going for a walk. After picking up a book, readers’ pulse rates and muscles can relax in as little as 6 minutes.
You might also have social benefits in addition to the previously mentioned cognitive ones. We recommend a book club membership or visiting your local library where you can find someone to talk about your favorite books with or discover new ones with.
5. Volunteering
Elderly people’s well-being can be improved through volunteering. It offers a sense of direction and significance, which can frequently wane after retirement. Knowing you are changing the world for the better might also help you feel better about yourself.
As they get older, seniors tend to isolate themselves and withdraw, which frequently leads to depression. Volunteering, on the other hand, can provide seniors with new acquaintances and a sense of community, which can be a lifeline for their mental health. Here are some suggestions for volunteer opportunities for seniors:
- Political campaigns
- Legal advocate i.e. International Seniors Lawyers Project
- Humane societies or animal shelters
- Tour guide
- Helping veterans i.e. USO
- Working with children i.e. Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Hunger relief i.e. Meals on Wheels
- Disaster relief i.e. Red Cross
- Habitat for Humanity
6. Bird Watching
When you simply stop and observe the environment around you, you could be shocked by what you notice. Birds are fascinating to observe. Their brilliance, social interaction, wit, ingenuity, and craftiness will stand out.
Bird watching could provide a terrific new hobby for someone who is no longer mobile. It is simple to do from the comforts of your own home or while walking around the community. As time passes, you will become acquainted with your neighborhood birds and even their characteristics.
There are several strong reasons why birdwatching is swiftly rising to the top of the list of popular hobbies across the country. It’s simple, cheap, and beckons us to get outside. Furthermore, this activity can improve alertness, memory, and attention to detail. Seniors can experience stress reduction by learning the timing and distinctive pattern of neighborhood birds arriving and departing.
It is not difficult to get started. Create a welcoming environment for the birds by keeping food, drink, and shelter in mind. The following items can be used to make an environment that is welcoming to birds:
Birdhouses
A birdhouse can enable you to enjoy a lot of excellent bird viewing. During the breeding season, some of the most exciting bird activity occurs. You will be able to see courting, nest building, egg laying, and hatching with the addition of a birdhouse.
Bird Feeders
Hang feeders from trees, shrubs, or just about any structure which can support the weight throughout the yard. Put nutritious seeds like safflower, sunflower, cracked and shelled corn, peanuts, flaxseed, and sorghum in the feeders.
Water Baths
In addition to providing hydration, birdbaths and other water features can also make birds clean as well as take care of their feathers. The birdbath should be placed in a flat part of your yard that receives little direct sunlight.
Bird Guide
To identify and learn more about your neighborhood birds, find a bird guide that includes birds from your area.
Binoculars
Invest in a good set of binoculars in case you don’t have access to close-up bird watching for convenience. You can take the binoculars with you when you travel to watch a different bird environment.
Planting a variety of bird-friendly plants in your yard is another practical method to create a perfectly conducive environment for birds. Learn about the native vegetation in your area, preferably ones that can endure all four seasons. These plants’ berries, fruits, nuts, and seeds will be consumed by the birds, who will also feed unwanted insects.
7. Family History Research
It’s getting more and more common to research one’s family history as one of the most popular hobbies for seniors. And now that they can utilize online resources, older individuals can learn many more things than they ever thought. Seniors can collect family antiques and records, undergo DNA tests, and record stories that the next generation could enjoy and learn from.
They may quickly contact relatives all across the world and learn about their family’s medical history, which may influence them. For their loved ones to cherish and pass down, seniors will enjoy telling their memories through scrapbooks of family images, video recordings, or writing down their family history.
Having a stronger feeling of identity as a result of knowing more about their origins might bring comfort to elderly people. They may derive pride from knowing and comprehending what their forefathers achieved to guarantee the survival of their lineage. Furthermore, reflecting on their life experiences can increase their cognition by exercising their memory recall.
8. Learn a Foreign Language
Seniors have an abundance of spare time after retirement. Some seniors decide to make use of their leisure time by learning new hobbies for seniors, such as traveling and seeing new cultures, something they may not have had the chance to do before.
A great way to gear up for your upcoming vacation is by learning the native tongue of the country you’re visiting. You will enjoy your vacation more and experience less stress, as well as gain from the improved cognition which comes with learning a language.
The brain’s ability to discern words’ meanings and improve communication as a whole is put to the test while learning a new language. Bilingual individuals are thought to have superior decision-making and problem-solving abilities. A new universe will open up for you when you dedicate yourself to studying a new dialect or language, which could be beyond your comfort zone, but can be immensely rewarding.
9. Learn to Play an Instrument
Ever wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument but lacked the time? One of the finest times to start a hobby like this is when you’re older.
In addition, keeping the brain engaged and stimulated will improve dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and memory retention. You can learn any of the following instruments, based on your preferred level of difficulty:
Easiest:
- Ukulele
- Piano
- Harmonica
More difficult:
- Bongos/Drums
- Guitar
- Recorder/Tin Whistle
10. Walking
Walking and other forms of exercise should be incorporated into our daily life for reasons such as:
- Fresh air exposure
- Improvement of heart health
- Promotes social interaction
- Lowers blood pressure
- Lowers blood sugar
- Low participation cost
- Pain reduction through muscle strengthening
Last but not least, a low-impact exercise such as walking might help you feel better overall by easing anxiety and elevating your mood. You will feel happier and more hopeful about life as you walk. Take a companion, go exploring, and make friends with neighbors while enjoying the local scenery. Walking is truly one of the best hobbies for seniors.
The Best Is Still To Come In your Golden Years: Find Many Hobbies For Seniors
The most fulfilling hobbies for seniors are those that spark a fresh love in your life. You’ll experience greater health advantages because of your renewed motivation, as well as healthy aging.
