Hobby Ideas for Seniors Who Want to Keep Active

As you get older, it’s more than likely that you will find you have a lot more time on your hands than you ever did previously. It can feel as though even if you choose to work part-time or go to see friends and loved ones.  You still find yourself with hours and hours of spare time to fill with whatever you want.

Staying active is very important for both your physical and emotional health. So getting out and about and engaging with new hobbies comes with an array of benefits.

So, what hobbies should you get involved in?

A lot of people find that they do not have the same amount of energy that they used to once they get older and therefore can’t partake in the same activities that they used to in previous years.

This article will look in detail at some of the best hobbies that are available to seniors who would like to keep active.

Where Can You Partake in New Hobbies?

It’s one thing knowing that you would like to get involved in some new hobbies, but then there is the problem of knowing exactly where you can partake in them. One of the best options available to you would be in an assisted living facility.

Take Brandywine Living, which offers assisted living near Colt’s Neck as an example. Here, you will be able to live in a friendly community of seniors, all of which have a desire to remain active and will be participating in a range of activities every day.

These facilities are an excellent way to remain independent but with added assistance in your old age.  You can also meet new people and pick up new hobbies in the process.

So, what are some of the hobbies that you could look into doing?

Sports

Sports are great as they allow you to stay active.  This is crucial when it comes to staying physically active in your older age. Seniors are at a much higher risk of heart disease and obesity.  The reason for this is because they tend to spend much longer periods of time sitting down than those who are younger than them. This first hobby is one of the most effective methods out there when it comes to combatting these risks.

This, of course, raises more issues with what sport you should be playing. However, there is a huge range available to you. These are applicable to people regardless of their level of fitness or how well they can move around and include:

• Walking football
• Swimming / gentle water aerobics
• Golf

Not only can engaging in these activities be great for your physical well-being. It also comes with massive advantages in terms of mental health. More so than anything, though, playing is just a lot of fun. It will give you something that you can look forward to every week.  You’re a member of a club that you’re happy to be in as well.

Gardening

Gardening comes with a lot of different benefits, and people tend to find that when they have the hang of it, they’re addicted. It’s tough to beat the satisfaction that comes with planting a seed and getting to watch it grow over time.

You will be able to fill your garden with a huge variety of the most beautiful flowers and plants around, as well as cut the lawn into a nice and neat design. Why not even plant your own mini orchard with some delicious fruits and vegetables too?

The physical and mental benefits that come with getting out and getting stuck into your garden include but are not limited to:

• The overall reduction of stress levels
• An increased sense of attachment
• Get out and enjoy the fresh air
• You will be able to keep yourself both fit and active
• You can provide yourself with nutritious and healthy food

Because of the fact that it is such a serene activity, it doesn’t often feel like what you’re doing is as good for you as it is, but simply getting into the garden a couple of times a week can have a massive impact on your health. For example, you will be improving your stamina, dexterity, and brain function.

Jigsaw Puzzles

One of the most enjoyable and stimulating hobbies available to you is getting stuck into a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle. There is a huge choice when it comes to picking a puzzle to get stuck into, as you can change the difficulty, the color, and the design you will be rewarded with when everything is done. Some of the best brands of jigsaw puzzles that you can look into include:

Ravensburger

They create a lot of different fun puzzles, from those that are a bit straightforward and designed predominantly for children to those that are a bit more challenging and meant for adults. There are also a lot of 3D puzzles available from Ravensburger if you are hoping for something really tricky.

Jan Van Haasteren

These puzzles have a huge focus on fun more than anything else. They picture a load of chaotic scenes that have been designed by Jan Van Haastern, as little features appear throughout the whole range of choices.

Wasgij

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, then it could be worth your time checking out something such as the puzzles designed by Wasgij. You have to create an alternative scene based on a clue that is given on the inside of the box. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, an allude to the mysterious nature of these jigsaws comes in the fact that Wasgij is Jigsaw spelled backward.

Conclusion

Taking up a new hobby at an older age comes with a huge number of benefits. Whether these are the physical factors, mental ones, or all things in between. Getting involved in one of the above hobbies is a great move.