Across the net stands your opponent, ready to try to return your serve right past you down the line. Throughout the match you’ve exchanged long rallies and short ones, great shots and unforced errors.
It’s been a battle of wills and endurance leading up this moment.
OK, maybe that’s a bit dramatic for a game of pickleball among friends.
But the point is, whatever your hobbies or interests, your senior years are a great time to pursue the passions you’ve had for a lifetime, continue the hobbies you’ve maybe let lapse, or find a brand new one.
Even if you or a loved one has limited mobility, there are options available. The important thing is to get started and keep it going!
[Note: if you’re interested in how Prestige Senior Living helps residents pursue their passions, learn about our wellness program Celebrations, or contact the community nearest you.]
More Than Fun – Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Pickleball, playing the piano, volunteering to walk dogs at the shelter, whatever your favorite hobbies may be, they are certainly fun and productive ways to spend time.
But there are more tangible benefits than you realize. For hobbies that are physical in nature, they help to build and maintain strength, which can reduce falls as you age. Being physically active has also been shown to help stave off cognitive decline.
But we know that sports or other physically taxing hobbies aren’t for everyone. So if knitting is more your speed than basketball, finding those activities that bring you joy have benefits beyond physical fitness.
The mental health aspect is also vital – as this article notes, “Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.”
Having something to look forward to, and people to do it with, can help bring joy and happiness as we all seek to recover a semblance of normal in our lives.
So whether it’s a book club, walking group, volunteer work or something else entirely, whatever it is that you can wake up and look forward to that day is helpful for your overall physical and mental health.
Branching Out to Something New
Over the years, how many times did you look at someone doing something that caught your interest and thought to yourself, “That seems like fun, but I don’t have time to learn something new, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
Well, why not start now?
If you’re feeling like you’re in a rut, or that you need to shake things up, getting started on a new hobby might be just what you need. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Gardening: It’s incredibly gratifying to plant something, care for it, and watch it grow. Experiment with different types of plants or vegetables and see works for you.
Learn a Language: Quel meilleur moment que maintenant? C’est le moment idéal pour essayer Français ou une autre langue! (Translation: What better time than now? It’s the perfect time to try French or another language!)
Apps like Duolingo are great ways to get started, helping you go step-by-step in learning a new language. The challenge of learning a new language is also a great way to exercise the brain for cognitive health.
Pick up an Instrument: OK, maybe your neighbors wouldn’t appreciate a new foray into drumming, but guitar, piano, clarinet, whatever catches your interest, music is a great way to keep your mind sharp and your fine motor skills engaged.
Those are just a few ideas – ask yourself, what have you always wanted to try but never had the time for?
Birdwatching: If your yard is a hub for birds, get a pair of binoculars and see how many different kinds populate your region. There are plenty of books and apps that can help you identify what you see. In fact, you can install a “smart” birdhouse equipped with a camera that sends closeup photos of the birds straight to your phone, with results that can be hilarious!
Exercise The Right Side of Your Brain
For creative types, there are no shortage of options to out that skill to use. Consider the following as options to try out:
- Scrapbooking
- Knitting
- Needlepoint
- Crocheting
- Painting (paint-and-sip events are a great start with a fun social element)
- Writing
- Photography
Prestige Can Help
At Prestige Senior Living, helping our residents live life to the fullest is our mission. We have staff dedicated to helping our residents pursue their passions and find new ones.
If it might be time for you or a loved one to consider assisted living, our team helps guide residents into activities and hobbies that suit their talents and interests.
Our independent and assisted living residents enjoy our popular wellness program Celebrations, in which pursuing interests plays a significant role. Whether it’s taking part in a group pastime as part of our ever-changing activity calendar, or seeking out a personal hobby, you have the freedom to explore your interests and find your passions.
There are six elements to Celebrations: Make New Friends, Live Better, Express Yourself, Expand Your Mind, Make a Difference and Enjoy Life. Our goals of life enrichment and engagement mean all six of those pillars are conducive to helping our residents find an activity that ignites a spark in them.
For more information, find a community near you to learn more or to book a tour.
