Studies show that seniors who have hobbies have higher happiness levels, life satisfaction, and better overall health. Creating a list of hobbies will ward off boredom and help you meet like-minded people in your area. But, with so many opportunities, brainstorming possibilities can feel daunting.
Luckily, we’ve got the answers you’re searching for. Here are eight senior hobbies you must check out.
In this article
1. Walking
Staying active is a must during your golden years, but it may be harder to do high-impact sports. That explains why walking or hiking is a fan favorite. You could, for example, visit a state park because many offer discounted prices for seniors. Aside from enjoying fresh air, regular walks strengthen your muscles, protect your joints, and reduce your risk of cancer. It’s also an activity that you can slip into any schedule. If you want to push yourself, add Nordic walking into your exercise routine. The only difference is you use walking poles so it engages your upper body too. It’s a great way to minimize the chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and asthma.
Too slow-paced for you? Then, find out which sports you enjoy if you haven’t already. Many seniors love pickleball because it requires low-impact mobility and moderate cardio output, so you’re sneaking in daily exercise. And because doubles are common, you’ll meet plenty of pickleball lovers in your community.
2. Gardening
Regardless of whether you’re enjoying luxury retirement living in Tucson or at home, try flexing your green thumb. Once you get into the rhythm of gardening, you can relax by planting seeds and tending to your garden. Not to mention the satisfaction of watching veggies and flowers grow, thanks to your magic touch. If you have little space, add a herb garden on your window sill or balcony, so that you can still reap the benefits.
3. Art Class
Getting creative shouldn’t wane during life after retirement, so carve out time for it. The beauty is that you can experiment with different mediums until you find the one that sticks. It could be painting, knitting, or even sculpting. Consider joining local groups on Facebook or MeetUp where you can meet similar people and form connections. Or, if you have a musical streak, why not pick up a new instrument? Learning new skills is crucial in your later years as it builds neural connections and boosts your memory. The same goes for learning a foreign language. Although many seniors take the DIY approach, enrolling in a course lets you work with professional teachers and helps you meet new people.
4. Fishing
Over 54 million Americans enjoy fishing regularly, including retired seniors. Angling is a great hobby for quiet time or a chance to see your buddy, which explains why it’s so popular. You will broaden your knowledge by learning about the different fish species in your area and the best way to catch them. Further, fishing lets you move your muscles and strengthen your joints without overexerting yourself. A bonus is that casting and reeling at the pole will fire up your motor skills, which is crucial as we age.
5. Reading
We focus on being active adults and seniors, yet forget how important engaging our brain is. Reading comes packed with benefits, such as keeping your brain sharp, boosting your cognitive abilities, and preventing brain disorders like dementia. Although it’s an individual activity, you could create a book club by inviting your fellow bookworms for a weekly session and try new genres. Another great option is writing, especially if you want to write a memoir. This is the time to reflect on your life and what you’ve learned from it so that you can share your wisdom with the world. And if you don’t want it professionally published, your family will love being able to return to your stories whenever they please.
6. Cooking
Cooking is a lifelong skill that only gets better with age. Gather your loved ones and treat them to a meal cooked from scratch, so they can taste your skills. It’s a great reason to bring everyone together and bond over your favorite dishes. If you’re a newbie, choose simple recipes from around the world and see which one you prefer. Cooking also means you save a fortune not dining out or getting takeaways while ensuring you’re eating a nutrient-rich diet.
7. Board and Card Games
Take a break from the screen and unwind with your favorite board or card games. Schedule a weekly game night and invite your friends to join, whether it’s for a game of Bingo or Go Fish. Or, if you prefer playing games alone, challenge your brain with Sudoku or a crossword puzzle. Further, many seniors love playing video games. There are many games where you solve puzzles or get out of your seat. For instance, Nintendo Switch Sports lets you play various sports, such as soccer, volleyball, and even sword fighting.
8. Volunteering
You may be blessed with luxury retirement living and want to pass it forward. A great way to do this is by regularly volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about. You can support causes in many ways, such as launching a fundraiser, fostering animals, or helping out in your community.
Another great option is traveling
Create a list of must-visit places and see how many you can tick off the list. You can even plan a road trip with your buddies and visit landmarks that you’ve always wanted to visit. Aside from being a great way to spend time, you’ll also learn a lot on your adventure.
Our Top Senior Hobbies
Now that you have a list of senior hobbies, it’s time to choose your favorite. Mixing physical and creative pastimes will enhance your quality of life, whether you’re trying out pickleball or learning the guitar. Seniors will also benefit by giving back to the community as it grows their social circle. Which activities will you choose?
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