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What Are Good Hobbies For Seniors?

Written By: William Rivers
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: January 14, 2022
Last updated: July 28, 2022

Many people discover that as they age, they have significantly more free time. Often they retire or opt to work part-time and suddenly find themselves with endless hours to fill! It is especially crucial for seniors to maintain physical and social activity. 

This will not only help them avoid boredom and depression, but it will also help them prevent developing a variety of health problems. The solution is to take up a new pastime or two. Below are good hobbies for seniors to try out:

  • Sports
  • Gaming
  • Musical Instrument
  • Adult Learning

Sports

As previously established, it is critical for older adults to maintain physical activity. According to the NHS, most people 65 and older spend approximately 10 hours or more each day sitting around or lying down. This puts those over the age of 65 at a greater risk of obesity and heart disease than the general population.

Numerous sports will keep you active regardless of your current muscular strength or experience. Sports may also be an excellent social activity, bringing you closer to your friends and introducing you to new ones.

Not only is sport beneficial to our physical health, but it is also beneficial to our mental health. Naturally, more than anything else, participating in sports is a lot of fun! It provides you with something to look forward to each week, whether you're a club member or simply enjoying a casual game with friends.

Gaming

Gaming is a lot of fun and, like most of our hobby ideas, it allows you to socialize. The majority of games will enable you to compete against your friends, either online or side-by-side. Additionally, you can play against strangers online and communicate with individuals from all around the world. Playing computer games also provides a beneficial challenge for the brain. According to a study, 3D computer games may help prevent memory decline.

Musical Instrument

This is one of the hobbies that most of us explore at some point in our lives. How many people as children wished to be great musicians? While you are unlikely to sell out stadiums anytime soon, music is an incredibly enjoyable activity for people of all ages.

Self-education creates a challenging mental challenge, which is critical in the fight against memory loss and cognitive decline. You'll also improve your time management and organizational abilities during the learning process, as you'll need to devote sufficient time and attention to succeed.

Additionally, your hand-eye coordination will improve as your brain works to convert the musical notes on the page into particular hand gestures, breathing methods, and rhythms.

Adult Learning

Acquiring new skills in a college or university environment helps to keep the brain healthy. Indeed, according to an article in The Guardian, a study conducted by the Alzheimer's Society claimed that education could help delay the onset of dementia.

As with creating a wonderful meal in the kitchen, passing exams and mastering a new skill provides an incredible sense of accomplishment. Maintaining a sense of purpose and activity is critical in the fight against loneliness.

Having a hobby can help seniors make new friends, boost their mood, and increase their ability to cope with stress. Plus, it can assist the aged and elders to live more productive lives.

If you wish to know more about independent living, check out Senior Strong’s guide to independent living for seniors.

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William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.
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