Healthy hobbies are something we should all pursue throughout our lifetime. However, while you can start a new hobby at any age, retirement is the perfect opportunity. Whether you’re looking to pursue old hobbies or start new ones, these can be monumental for your mental and physical health.
Keep reading to learn 7 hobbies that can help seniors stay in shape—both physically and mentally.
Gardening
Gardening is an amazing hobby at any age, but it can be especially valuable during retirement. Plants not only bring beauty and fresh air to any space, but they can also provide healthy, nutritious foods for your family to enjoy. Aside from the delicious, natural foods that you’ll grow, there are other health benefits to consider. For one, gardening is still a physical activity. After a long day of digging, pulling, and breaking a sweat, you’ll feel the rush of a good workout. But even if you don’t break a sweat, you’ll still burn some calories. Gardening is a fun activity that stimulates the mind, body, and soul. Also, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with your grandkids and teach them about growing their own fruits and vegetables.
Playing Sports
If you want to take your physical activity up a notch, start playing sports! Given the wide variety of sporting activities out there, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs. Not only can sports offer a chance to see your friends, but they’re also great for your health. From treating depression to keeping a healthy body, playing sports can do wonders for your overall well-being. Furthermore, there are sports for everyone! If you can’t move like you used to, maybe golf is the right hobby to try. Looking for a fast-paced sport to boost your heart rate? Racquetball, tennis, and basketball are other popular options you can try.
Cooking
For those who love cooking, time in the kitchen is time well spent. Whether you enjoy cooking Thanksgiving dinner or a small meal for two, this activity can be an incredible hobby. Additionally, it could also turn into a business. Many retired seniors started cooking as a hobby, then realized they had the skills to start their own business. No matter your approach, cooking is an enjoyable activity. And even if you’ve been cooking for decades, there is still tons to learn. As the industry has advanced greatly over the years, designing unique culinary creations is now easier than ever. You can easily sign up for cooking classes, watch online videos, or read world-famous books to cook the dishes of your dreams.
Playing Instruments
Have you always wanted to play the guitar? Want to rekindle those flute skills you had back in elementary school? Whether you're looking to learn something new or freshen up your talents, playing instruments is a fantastic hobby. While many of us would love to learn some musical skills, it all takes time. But when you’re retired and have a flexible schedule, picking up an instrument may be more feasible. Additionally, the abundance of online resources makes learning an instrument simple and stress-free. Rather than signing up for an in-person class, you can now head over to YouTube and learn tips from experienced musicians. Playing instruments isn’t only a great way to pass the time—it can also improve your mental health and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Arts & Crafts
Do you enjoy art? If so, participating in arts or crafts could be the perfect hobby for you. Whether you like knitting or painting, this hobby can bring a long list of benefits. For one, it can do wonders for your mental health. Being focused on a painting project stimulates your mind and keeps your attention. Furthermore, it can also help you stay calm, which is valuable for those suffering from anxiety. Working on these projects can also be beneficial for your physical health. For instance, some people use knitting as an exercise to help treat rheumatoid arthritis. Another advantage of arts and crafts is that they can lead to socialization, which is important for the mental and emotional health of seniors.
Dancing
Dancing is an exciting, heart-pumping activity that can make you feel decades younger. Whether it’s ballet or hip hop dancing, moving your body to the beat is a healthy hobby for the elderly. Also, you don’t need any special equipment to hit the dance floor. Just throw on your dancing shoes and bust out some moves! Furthermore, your physical health doesn't have to be in tip-top shape to enjoy dancing; it's a hobby where you can easily make adjustments to suit your needs. Dancing is also an activity that many people enjoy, so you can usually find a local dancing class or community group to join.
Traveling
Now onto one of the best hobbies of all—traveling! As you’re finished with your career and enjoying retirement, this is a perfect time to explore the world. Studies show that seeing new sights and trying new experiences is great for brain health, and you might even learn some new skills along the way. As our planet is full of incredible destinations, there’s a world of opportunity just waiting for you. If you have the time and resources to start traveling as a hobby, retirement is the perfect time to give it a try!
Ready to try something new? By experiencing any of the hobbies in this post, you’ll live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.
