Fun and healthy hobbies seniors will love

As an active senior, there are probably a lot of things keeping you on the move while other activities are far away in the rearview mirror. Work life and raising children full time, for instance, might seem like a distant memory.

At the same time, you keep busy. Helping babysit the grandchildren, volunteering for a cause near and dear to your heart and getting involved with other pastimes can be constants in life.

It is also normal to find yourself having extra time despite your engagement in quality-time activities. It is OK to feel like you deserve more.

The fact is there is still a lot that you can do. Hobbies for seniors is like having an apple a day. Remaining passionate in your pursuits for activities you love are an important ingredient to living well and being happy.

The benefits of keeping up with hobbies

Improved mental health, personal development, socialization and increased mobility are just some of the major benefits seniors can expect when they go all in on their hobbies. When you engage in a hobby, your body and mind will react through stimulation. A wide range of enjoyable tasks, such as art, music and other pastimes, is shown to have a substantial effect on mental well-being in a positive way.

Imagine a hobby that puts you in a better mood, lowers stress levels and fills your body with endorphins. Most of all, a new hobby lets you spend time with the VIP in your life: yourself.

As you advance through your journey of a new hobby, you will also see personal development. It is probably something you thought stayed behind with your old self. Yet, everyone has the capacity to improve upon a skill, which in turn cranks up your self-confidence and reimagines the self in a positive light.

It also does not hurt that a new hobby can also reconnect you with others. A book club, fitness classes, volunteer work and other group activities will also boost your social life.

Dance

It is normal for older adults to feel a little extra self-aware and intimidation when approaching the dance floor. But dancing is not just for young folks or social media trends. Anyone at any age can dive into the melodies and rhythms of music. From Zumba, salsa to jazz, there is a dance level for all skill and physical levels.

Dancing is one of those hobbies that is healthy for the mind and body. Your brain will click and process as you learn new movements, your body will burn a few extra calories and your entire soul will be at peace with the music.

Gardening

With warm weather nearly a constant in sunny Los Angeles, maybe consider building your perfect garden.

The lifecycle nature of gardening means there is always something to look forward to. Before you know it, you will be addicted to gardening as you explore ways to improve and maintain healthy growth.

There are other takeaways too. Gardening is a portal to the outdoors, sunshine, exercise and food if you decide to plant vegetables. As your seedlings mature and reach their full potential, you too will be filled with joy and achievement with how far you have come.

Writing

The possibilities are endless. If you turn to writing as a hobby, you will find no shortage of topics. With so much to talk about, such as life experiences, current events, fiction, poetry, sports and everything in between, writing is an accessible pastime that lets you express your unique self and share with others.

If you experience pain in your fingers and hands, consider using your phone, tablet or computer to dictate your compositions. And if you are extra ambitious, you can self-publish your work online on a blog, website or social media site.

It is also important to not dismiss the mental and psychological benefits of putting your thoughts and ideas in writing. It can be very relaxing, rewarding and cathartic.

Travel

If life forced you to postpone travel earlier in life, what is stopping you now?

Your retirement savings can go toward a trip of a lifetime and take you to a corner of the world you always dreamed of visiting.

Exploring new territory and breaking from your daily routine might be just the change of pace you need right now. The joys of travel are restorative to your soul and promote brain health as you discover new lands and rediscover yourself.

Depending on your destination and itinerary, traveling is also an opportunity to meet new people and establish new friendships.

At Hollenbeck Palms, we offer a variety of social events, as well as a lush, 8.5-acre garden campus that will help you get outside and get active, and maybe even help you pick up a new hobby. If you are interested in learning more, contact us today!