Aging can bring new challenges and mobility limitations may be one of them. Conditions like arthritis, injuries, or recovery from surgery can sometimes make everyday activities difficult.
With the right hobbies, we can stay creative, connected, and physically active while honoring the needs of our body:
- Painting and drawing
- Scrapbooking or journaling
- Chair yoga and Pilates
- Reading or audiobooks
- Birdwatching
- Gardening
- Photography
- Nature walks and scenic drives
How Hobbies Support Healthy Aging
Hobbies aren’t just a fun way to relax and unwind, they’re necessary for maintaining a healthy, balanced life. Staying engaged with a hobby offers a way to celebrate passions, develop skills, and stay connected with a sense of purpose.
Research shows that people who engage in hobbies report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction when compared to those who don’t.
Even if strenuous and physically taxing hobbies are off the table, older adults benefit from exploring and continuing a hobby of their choosing to promote achievement, independence, and self-expression.
Beyond fun, hobbies have extensive benefits for our overall well-being.
- Physical benefits: Even with limited mobility, activities like yoga, gardening, painting, kitting, or other targeted movements can promote strength and dexterity, helping to keep your body active.
- Emotional well-being: Hobbies are therapeutic. They keep the mind busy, reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation, and offer a way to process emotions creatively.
- Cognitive stimulation: Learning new skills or mentally stimulating hobbies like puzzles or reading supports brain health. These activities can improve memory and critical thinking.
Indoor Hobbies
For those who prefer to spend most of their time at home, indoor hobbies offer creative and accessible options to foster joy and self-expression. These activities are also great to explore on cold winter days, or when the rain feels endless.
Painting & Drawing
Artistic hobbies like painting or drawing can be relaxing and deeply rewarding. You don’t need to be the next Michaelangelo to enjoy them, exploring new mediums, mixing colors, silly doodles, simple watercolor sets, and adult coloring books can bring hours of enjoyment.
If you’re having issues with grip strength, try using ergonomic brushes and markers. Consider getting creative with finger painting or using unconventional tools like rollers or spoons to paint.
Art is fun, creative, and subjective. Don’t be afraid to try something out of the box!
Scrapbooking or Journaling
Preserving memories through scrapbooking or journaling offers a creative outlet and a chance to reflect on cherished moments.
Whether compiling photos of family events, quality time with friends, or jotting down daily thoughts, this is a therapeutic and meaningful activity.
Try incorporating little trinkets throughout your day. For example, if you meet up with a friend over coffee, and you like how pretty the logo of your local coffee shop looks, consider including it in your journal.
Take advantage of print-on-demand photo books or digital tools if paper crafting feels cumbersome.
Chair Yoga or Pilates
Staying physically active doesn’t require being on your feet all day.
- Chair yoga: Chair yoga involves performing yoga poses and stretches while seated or using a chair for support. It helps improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength without putting excessive strain on joints.
- Pilates: This low-impact exercise involves controlled movements and precise alignment, providing a gentle workout. Pilates exercises can be modified for intensity or mobility, offering an accessible approach to staying fit.
If you’re just getting started, online videos and classes tailored to older adults make it easier than ever.
Reading or Audiobooks
Books offer a world of experiences without leaving the house. For those who find holding a book or reading smaller print, audiobooks, e-books, or large-print editions make literature accessible for everyone.
Starting a book club with friends or other community members is a great way to encourage the love of reading. Group discussions about themes are a great way to connect with others while inspiring critical thinking, and keeping the mind sharp.
Outdoor Hobbies
For older adults who enjoy outdoor time, fresh air, the sun, and nature bring renewed energy and joy.
Birdwatching
A relaxing way to connect with nature, birdwatching requires nothing more than a pair of binoculars, a park bench, and maybe a book on local birds. It’s an excellent opportunity to get fresh air and connect with your senses.
Bonus points if you keep a journal to track the birds you spot!
For those who want to get adventurous, birdwatching tours often require minimal walking and can be a fun group activity.
Gardening
Gardening can be modified for many environments and mobility levels to adapt to your specific needs.
Try raised garden beds or hanging pots that don’t require bending or kneeling. Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables can be meditating and rewarding once your efforts bloom.
It’s also a great way to grow plants local to your environment to connect more with your city or town.
Live in an apartment? Indoor herb hardens, small balcony planters, or houseplants work just as well.
Photography
Whether using a professional camera or a smartphone, or photographing flowers, people, or landscapes, pictures are a creative way to capture the beauty around you.
Take it a step further and share your photos online! Instagram is an easy way to share your creativity with people, or you can connect with fellow photographers through Flickr or Facebook groups.
Nature Walks & Scenic Drives
If walking long distances isn’t an option, shorter nature walks with accessible trails can work beautifully and are a great form of gentle exercise.
Joining a walking group through your local community center is a great way to explore new parks and connect with those sharing a common interest!
On days when you’d like to clear your head but don’t feel like walking, scenic drives with a loved one while listening to music are a great way to soak in some incredible views without compromising comfort.
Schedule a Tour
Healthy aging means adapting to new circumstances and discovering activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Surrounding yourself with community is a great way to adopt a healthy aging mindset. Connect with our team at The Hidenwood to schedule a tour of our community.
