In retirement, life doesn’t have to slow down. In fact, now that your loved one’s schedule has opened up, they’ll have time to explore new hobbies, rediscover activities they’ve always loved, and take on new adventures.
As we age, it’s essential to keep our minds and body active to maintain good health and quality of life. Retirement and assisted living offer an array of hobbies for seniors that can help them stay active and engaged. Through hobbies like arts and crafts, gardening, and group activities, seniors can explore new interests, stay physically active, and enhance their cognitive abilities while enjoying themselves.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts are an excellent way for seniors to explore their creative side. Art activities can keep seniors’ minds engaged and improve their dexterity. Some of these activities include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Knitting
- Crocheting
- Pottery
- Jewelry-making
By taking classes, your loved one can enjoy the social aspect of creating and making new friends. They can create beautiful works of art to share with their family and friends and even sell them at craft fairs or online.
Gardening
Gardening is an engaging hobby that can help seniors stay active, reduce stress, and connect with nature. They can participate in a community garden, plant a small garden at a loved one’s home, or have a container garden on their balcony or patio. It’s also a great way to have fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables nearby, which can be part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, gardening gets seniors exposed to sunshine and fresh air, which can help improve their mood. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Whether they prefer to grow flowers or vegetables, gardening can be a therapeutic and calming activity for seniors.
Writing
For seniors who have a way with words, writing can be a fulfilling and engaging hobby. Whether they prefer to write poetry, short stories, or memoirs, the act of putting thoughts and feelings down on paper can be therapeutic.
If your loved one is interested in writing, you can encourage them to join a writing group, write letters to loved ones, start chronicling their lives, or start a blog where they can share their work with others.
Music
Music is a powerful tool that can bring people together and evoke strong emotions. For seniors in assisted living, music can be a source of joy and nostalgia. Attending concerts or musical performances, playing an instrument, or singing in a choir are just a few options for incorporating music. Listening to your favorite songs can also be a wonderful way to relax and unwind.
Listening, dancing, or swaying to music can help lessen stress, relieve tension, and improve respiratory health with rhythmic breathing. Your loved one can experience benefits such as:
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved breathing
- Reduced heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent hobby for seniors who want to give back to their community and contribute to a worthy cause.
Assisted living communities can connect seniors with volunteer opportunities like tutoring children, helping at a local food bank, or volunteering for another cause that aligns with their interests. Volunteering can help seniors feel accomplished, stay engaged with the community, and avoid social isolation.
Book Clubs
Reading is a wonderful pastime that can transport us to different worlds and broaden our perspectives.
That’s why joining a book club can be an incredibly rewarding hobby for seniors in assisted living. It provides an opportunity to socialize and make new friends, encourages critical thinking, and keeps the brain engaged. Additionally, book clubs can be tailored to specific interests or genres, making them an excellent opportunity for seniors to connect with like-minded people.
Group Exercise
Exercise is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, and it’s vital for seniors who may be dealing with age-related health issues. Group exercise classes like yoga, Pilates, or water aerobics can be a fun way to stay active and improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
Plus, working out with others can help seniors stay motivated and feel a sense of camaraderie. Most assisted living facilities offer group exercise classes that cater specifically to seniors, so there’s no need to worry about keeping up with younger individuals.
Discover New Interests at Assisted Living in Riverside
Seniors can benefit significantly from engaging in hobbies in assisted living communities. Hobbies not only keep us active, but they offer an opportunity to learn, pursue new interests, and enjoy life. In addition, hobbies can help prevent loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline.
At Villa De Anza, there are exciting activities and events to help your loved ones find exciting hobbies that resonate with their interests and capabilities. Whether it’s arts, crafts, gardening, reading, writing, music, or volunteering, these activities can enrich their lives and help them feel fulfilled.
Schedule a visit to our community for a tour, meet our staff, and learn more about the community calendar to keep your loved one engaged and social in their new home.
