Hobbies & Recreational Activities for Seniors
Do you enjoy doing something in your spare time? For seniors, especially those requiring private duty home care in Chesterfield, having a hobby is a great way to keep your mind sharp! Extracurricular activities have been shown to help older adults cope with stress, make new social connections, improve emotional well-being, and more. If you are curious about trying something new but don’t know where to start, here are some hobbies to consider giving a try.
Gardening
There’s something calming about the feeling of dirt underneath your hands – according to many seniors, anyways! Gardening is a fulfilling hobby, since you can quite literally see the fruits of your labor. Studies have shown that pulling weeds and tilling soil help reduce stress levels and ward off mental fatigue. As a plus, gardening can also reduce your risk of health concerns like heart disease and diabetes.
Golfing
Playing a few rounds on the course is good for your health! Golf is a timeless and ageless hobby that provides a physical and mental challenge. The average golfer walks around four miles during an 18-hole game, which helps players build strength and improve cardiovascular health. Seniors who play golf also benefit from improved flexibility, concentration, and hand-eye coordination. It’s a social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family for years to come, especially when using a golf cart to shuttle between holes.
Birdwatching
One of the most popular activities for older adults after retirement? Birdwatching! This activity stimulates the mind and encourages physical activity, which keeps seniors minds sharp throughout the years. It can be done solo or as a social activity – all you need is a bird identification book or mobile app to get started.
Bird watching is also perfect for seniors with limited mobility who require private duty home care in Macomb. If you cannot go for walks, choose a window or sit on the porch instead. There’s nothing more calming than relaxing with a cup of coffee and a guidebook while waiting for a cardinal or Blue Jay to fly by.
Dive Into Family History
How much do you know about your family history? Consider heading to your local library and perusing their genealogy department or using an online history resource to trace your family tree. There are also genetic services available that can give you a detailed breakdown of your global ancestry by percentages, connect you with DNA relatives, and more.
You can use this information along with your own memories to create a keepsake book for your family. Include anything that will help the younger generation connect to their past. This includes old photos from family reunions, journal entries from the present day, silly drawings from your childhood, and stories about how you met your spouse. You might not think it’s interesting, but it’s something that your loved ones will always cherish.