Keeping the body fit and the mind attentive are the keys to seniors’ living healthier and more fulfilling lives. But unfortunately, many seniors can find themselves in a rut where they lack the stimulation, companionship, and physical challenges necessary to maintain a healthy head and heart.
One of the best ways to combat this problem is by taking up a hobby. With so many to choose from, active seniors can get the stimulation they sorely lack in ways that offer more than just physical and emotional support but a chance to socialize with other people who may be seeking the same.
These six healthy hobbies can keep your seniors fit and their minds sharp well into their Golden Years.
1. Gardening Activities
Working in the garden provides a wide range of healthy benefits for senior citizens. It gives them a chance to get some exercise, increases their motor skills, and offers relaxation properties as many folks find gardening calming and soothing.
It also gets seniors outdoors instead of being cooped up inside all day. Sunlight can be a positive influence on helping seniors get natural nutrients like vitamin D. Gardening is also a community endeavor in which they can meet other people and start new relationships while working in the dirt and sod.
2. Pet Adoption
Giving seniors a companion for whom they are responsible can make them feel a range of emotions and improve their daily lives. Pets can significantly enrich our lives and having a friend by our side in the form of a dog or cat, even a rabbit or a bird, can make all the difference between a lonely existence and one in which each and every day is new and exciting.
Pets are a great way to bring down stress, lower the blood pressure, and eliminate feelings of sadness and depression. They’re great sources of warmth, happiness, and laughter. Caring for a dog can also bring about another advantage in the form of physical exercise.
Taking your pooch for a stroll can help the heart get blood flowing through it and improve the well-being of the joints and muscles in legs.
3. Exercise Activities
But you don’t have to own a dog to get out there and get busy. Physical activities of all sorts are an ideal way for senior citizens to get moving. Walking is just one option to help the heart get stronger, strengthen bones, and maintain proper balance.
But there other choices that exist. Those seniors who are experiencing arthritic pain or other joint ailments in various parts of the body can get a work out in the water by swimming. This allows senior citizens to get the exercise they need without putting undue strain and pressure on the areas that are uncomfortable.
Yoga, dancing, even golf are also very smart options for helping seniors live their best lives. It provides much needed physical activity for increased energy and reduced hypertension and stress levels. Even more encouraging, exercise can be done in pairs or groups, offering a social aspect to this hobby for helping seniors become more engaged with those around them.
4. Arts and Crafts
Stimulation comes in many forms but creativity is perhaps one of the most exciting and engaging for seniors. Using one’s hands to make something from scratch can be invigorating and give that individual an elevated sense of confidence and self-esteem.
Much like with exercise, there are a wide array of options when it comes to getting involved in arts and crafts work. Many seniors will turn to knitting or painting, others appreciate photography and scrapbooking. There are so many choices for getting involved in making arts and crafts and, this hobby is also conducive to being sociable.
Remember, creativity keeps the brain sharp and quick-witted and Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care offers your senior the choice to be involved with arts and crafts opportunities within the community.
5. Card and Board Games
Nothing like getting the old noggin working to beat your opponent and many card games rely on strategy in order to prevail. Even board games give seniors a chance to use their brains as they navigate towards victory.
But you don’t always need a companion or an opponent, there many interesting pursuits that can be played solo for seniors to enjoy and stay on top of their game.
6. Volunteer Opportunities
Seniors still want to remain busy and active in their communities and many will choose to give their time to a worthy cause. This is also a great way to build self-confidence and regain a feeling of being wanted and being helpful.
Best of all, volunteering gets seniors out of the house and active with their peers.
