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Hobbies for Seniors

Hobbies for Seniors

Feb. 12th, 2024

Did you know that two out of three seniors will undergo cognitive decline to some extent around 70 years old? That’s why it is important for seniors to keep their minds active.1

A hobby is a great example of how to keep seniors’ minds active while having fun. Here is a list of hobbies that are both easy and fun for seniors!

Creative Hobbies

Do you enjoy being creative in your free time? There are a variety of creative hobbies to choose from. Some creative hobbies for seniors include:

  • Color. There are a bunch of different adult coloring books with a variety of patterns to color. You could also find coloring pages online to color.
  • Drawing. If you would like to be more creative, you can sketch your own drawing. You can use colored pencils or crayons and make your own creation!
  • Paint. You can paint your own work of art or recreate a famous painting. If you would like to learn tips on brush strokes, texture, and other techniques, you could take a painting class!
  • Crochet. Do you love to make homemade items for you and your family? If so, crocheting can be a great hobby to start. There are endless items that you can create!
  • Scrapbooking. Do you have pictures and memories that you would like to preserve? If so, making a scrapbook can be a creative way to capture your memories!
  • Creative Writing. Creative writing is a great way to exercise your creativity while also exercising your mind. There are many writing prompts available online, so you are sure to find a prompt that piques your interest.
  • Puzzles. Whether you like to complete large puzzles or smaller ones, puzzles can be a fun way to pass the time while using concentration skills. If you run out of puzzles to complete, there are many free online puzzles to solve.
  • Photography. Photography is something that everyone can do! Whether you have a phone or a professional camera, taking pictures of your family, nature, or the city skyline, photography can be done with the click of a button!
  • Playing an Instrument. Have you always wanted to pick up an instrument and begin playing? If so, you could take lessons and learn how to play the instrument of your choice! Playing an instrument helps with your memory and concentration skills.
  • Dancing. Dancing can be a great way to exercise while having fun! If you are a beginner, there are classes you can take for every dance style.

Self-care Hobbies

It is important for everyone to take the time to care for their emotional, mental and physical well-being.2 Here are some self-care hobbies for seniors to implement into their routine:

  • Read a Book. No matter what type of genre you love to read, there are always new and exciting books available. Check out your local library or visit a nearby bookstore.
  • Get a Massage. Do you constantly have aches and pains that won’t seem to go away? If so, getting a massage can be a great addition to your self-care routine.
  • Get a Manicure/Pedicure. Getting your nails done every so often can be a relaxing hobby to treat yourself to. With plenty of colors to choose from, you are sure to find a shade you will like.
  • Meditate. At times, our lives can be busy and stressful. Meditating once during the day can help increase your focus and lower your blood pressure.3
  • Yoga. Are you looking for a hobby that relieves anxiety and improves balance? If so, you could start yoga.4
  • Stretch. If yoga is too strenuous, then doing simple stretches may be an easier hobby. To make stretching more comfortable, you can sit in a chair or on your bed.
  • Journal. Journaling is a great exercise to recount your days, show progress, and see how far you have come. You can do a free write in your journal, or find a journal prompt online.
  • Listen to Music. Whether you like pop or country, there are endless songs to choose from that you can add to your playlist. Listening to music can help you recall memories and relieve stress.5
  • Listen to a Podcast. Listening to a podcast can be a great alternative to being on your phone or watching TV. Most phones have a podcast app pre-downloaded on your phone so you can easily find a podcast that piques your interest!
  • Take a Day Off. Every once in a while, we all need to take a day to relax. Having a day off is a great way to recharge for the days ahead.

About Saber Healthcare Group

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 130 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Delaware. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Hale, Jo Mhairi, et. al. “Cognitive impairment in the U.S.: Lifetime risk, age at onset, and years impaired.” National Library of Medicine. Accessed 25 January 2024. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7153285/#:~:text=Approximately%20two%20out%20of%20three,onset%2083%20(79)%20years.
  2. “What is Self Care?” Saber Healthcare Group. Accessed 2 February 2024. Link: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/self-care
  3. “4 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Regular Mediation.” Saber Healthcare Group. Accessed 6 February 2024. Link: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/health-benefits-of-meditation
  4. “10 Amazing Health Benefits of Yoga.” Saber Healthcare Group. Accessed 6 February 2024. Link: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/benefits-of-yoga
  5. “What is Music Therapy?” Saber Healthcare Group. Accessed 7 February 2024. Link: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/about-music-therapy