Studies show that taking up hobbies can be beneficial to your mental well-being. Now that you’re retired, you’ve got plenty of time to maintain your old hobbies or pick up a few new ones. You’ll have plenty of choices as well. A hobby can be just about anything, from walking to collecting something to trying out a new type of art. Brightwater Senior Living has provided a few of the best hobbies for seniors to help you narrow it down.
Gardening
You may have a stereotypical image of gardening in your head – perhaps involving kneeling over an outdoor flower bed or vegetable garden in the summer. But gardening can be done completely indoors at any time of the year, with no bending required. Indoor gardening kits are fairly inexpensive and come with everything you need to get started, including seeds. Tending to your own indoor garden can brighten up both your home and your mood.
Painting or Drawing
Never been artistically inclined? Never too late to start. You don’t need any fancy supplies to start sketching with a pencil and notepad, but if you’re willing to spend the money, there are a variety of beginner sketch kits available. You can also find video tutorials online if you’d like more guidance. If you suffer from arthritis, finger painting can be a relaxing alternative that’s easier on your joints.
Writing Letters
Even in the age of modern technology, most people are still happy to receive a personalized letter. Make it a habit to write a letter a day to an old friend or family member, or even a neighbor. Again, if you have problems holding a pen or pencil, you can try using email or even voice-to-text with the help of a younger family member or friend.
Playing Video Games
Believe it or not, more seniors than ever are taking up video games as they grow older. There’s plenty of variety available – puzzle games like Bejeweled or Solitaire, action-oriented fitness games like Wii Fit or Ring Fit Adventure, or calming single-player games like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley. Ask some younger friends or family members for tips on what they think would be best for you.
We hope we were able to give you some starting-off points for what kinds of hobbies you can look into as you grow older. For more tips on senior living, visit the Brightwater blog.