Most people look forward to retiring someday. After long years of hard work and effort, you now have a chance to relax and dial back the pace. However, there is such a thing as too much idle time. Unless you stay active as you age, your risks for both mental and physical health problems can rise sharply. For this reason, recreational programs and activities can be essential to your continued well-being. A broad range of possible hobbies are suitable for older adults. Finding the right one for you can be a deeply satisfying experience.
At Parkway Place, we provide recreational programs and hobbies for seniors in retirement. Learn more about our programs and services by calling 281.305.1846 or contacting us online.
5 Hobbies Seniors Can Pick Up in Retirement
1. Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are a vast array of hobbies that share one main thing in common. Namely, they require you to create something with your own hands.
Common examples of hobbies in this category include:
- Quilting
- Collaging
- Knitting
- Embroidery
- Paper mache
- Woodturning or carving
- Ceramics
Arts and crafts provide numerous potential benefits for seniors. Those benefits include improving your memory and other higher brain functions. They also include increased self-esteem, plenty of opportunities to socialize, and the sheer joy of creation.
2. Fitness
Regular physical activity is a must if you want to maximize your health in retirement. Experts recommend aerobic exercises that improve your cardiovascular well-being. They also recommend strength-training exercises that help build your muscle mass.
If you’re new to exercise, consult your doctor before you begin. It’s usually best to start slow and build up your capabilities over time. One common option for both newcomers and experienced exercisers is walking.
3. Birdwatching
Birdwatching is an option that lets you combine physical activity with the opportunity to learn more about nature. Seniors and younger people across the country enjoy spotting unfamiliar birds, as well as local favorites. You can keep a running list of the species you’ve seen and share it with other enthusiasts if you like. Birds can be elusive, so you’ll have to stay on your toes to spot them as they flit from place to place.
4. Reading
Reading is an excellent way to learn new things or explore inner worlds.
This hobby also has other notable benefits, including:
- Sharpening your memory
- Reducing stress
- Improving your decision-making skills
In addition, reading before bedtime can make it easier for you to fall asleep. You can read on your own anytime. You may also have the chance to join a book club. Clubs like this allow you to socialize and share your interests with other book lovers.
5. Musical Instruments
Retirement can be the perfect time to learn how to play a musical instrument. Many seniors find this process both challenging and rewarding. It also comes with certain documented health benefits. For example, you can improve your fine motor skills. You can also improve your hand-eye coordination. Organized music classes allow you the added benefits of sharing the learning experience with other seniors.
Find Exciting Hobbies for Seniors at Parkway Place
Learn more about the many hobbies for seniors that can enrich your life in retirement from our senior living experts at Parkway Place. We’ll help you find activities that fit your interests and personal situation.
Parkway Place also supports all residents in their efforts to maintain a fulfilling daily lifestyle. Our full slate of services includes arts and crafts programs, recreational programs, and educational programs. In addition, we offer a wide selection of other supporting services. For more information on your choice of options of hobbies in senior living, call us today at 281.305.1846 or fill out our online form.