The Benefits of Retirement Hobbies

Whether you’re a novice at a new hobby or a master of one, there are several benefits of retirement hobbies.

As we age, our brainpower decreases, and it’s important to find ways to delay this decline. In addition to maintaining your mental sharpness, a hobby can keep your brain stimulated. A hobby can be as simple as a daily journal or as easy as color-coordinating your wardrobe. In addition to boosting your confidence, it will also help keep you mentally fit and sharp.

Keep reading for ideas about the kinds of interests you can pursue in your retirement years.

A More Active Lifestyle for Healthy Aging

You can live a happier life by choosing a hobby that you enjoy. In fact, an active lifestyle is the norm at a community like WhiteStone, where older adults are encouraged to stay active and spend their time in ways they see fit.

Seniors often report high levels of stress after entering retirement. A hobby can fill up free time during the day by providing mental stimulation and a way to reduce such stress. It’s true that both physical activity and mental stimulation are essential for reducing higher levels of stress and maintaining good overall health.

In turn, staying active with retirement hobbies can help you fight against age-related problems. They can aid in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and other age-related changes to your health.

Another benefit of retirement hobbies is the ability to infuse your life with new excitement. If you’re retired and a new hobby excites you, you’re able to pursue it as much as your health – and time – will allow. In addition to being good for your general health, retirement hobbies can help you avoid depression and loneliness. They give you more energy and boost your overall mood, which help you enjoy each day to the fullest.

Senior Living Hobbies and Activities

The following are a handful of our favorite things to do while living in a senior living community, including senior-friendly hobby ideas:

  • Become a birdwatcher. You can observe beautiful birds wherever you are in the United States. On the community campus, seniors can start a local club and watch birds with friends. This hobby is a great way to involve friends and family,  and you get a mental health boost after spending so much time outdoors!
  • Become a volunteer. Taking up volunteering in your retirement is a great way to get involved with worthwhile causes close to home. It is also a great way to get to know new people. There may be a mentor program or a volunteering program already in place for older adults in their communities.
  • Try yoga and tai chi. Yoga is not only beneficial to the body but also to the mind. Core muscles are strengthened, plus stress levels and the risk of hypertension are reduced through this exercise. No matter how knowledgeable you are, just trying one of them is fun and easy. And as a huge plus, yoga and tai-chi classes often take place outside, so you’ll get lots of fresh air, too!
  • Play sudoku, crosswords and games. Playing games improves memory and concentration and are among the most popular hobbies for seniors. Certain older adults are found to benefit from these puzzles in that they can delay or help prevent memory loss. Other activities like jigsaw puzzles can help maintain hand-eye coordination.
  • Learn an instrument. By learning an instrument, you will be able to keep more parts of your brain active. Find a group that plays together! There might even be one in your local community. Working together on a team, even for fun, boosts your social interaction and all the good feelings that come along with it.

How WhiteStone Is Founded on Fellowship and Inspired by You

WhiteStone is Greensboro seniors’ first choice for an independent lifestyle. We offer a full continuum of care, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation and in-home care. Get in touch with us to learn more about life at WhiteStone.