A sound mind lives in a sound body. It’s important to stay busy both mentally and physically healthy for us to be the best version of ourselves. Sometimes we’re forced to be indoors, and when that happens, it’s ok. From social hobbies to creative pastimes, the list below gives leisure examples for all types of people no matter their age (although, some work specifically well for seniors), that also won’t break the bank thanks to saving tips by Wikibuy. It’s essential, too, to engage both your left and right sides of your brain — these activities do just that.
Creative and Expressive Pastimes
Having a creative outlet is a non-verbal way to express your thoughts, emotions, and feelings into a craft. Whether the focus is to use your hands or exercise your mind (or a combination of both), there is a definite benefit in incorporating an artistic pastime. From virtual online courses to activities that you can do right in your backyard, there are many opportunities to be expressive without hurting your wallet.
- Learn Scrapbooking Virtually. Scrapbooking is a way to reserve your memories into one place while going down memory lane. There are many free online courses to become a pro at the craft, like SkillShare or Scrapbook.com’s YouTube channel.
- Gardening. Stepping outside and staying active is great for your physical health. With gardening, you can utilize your creativity by arranging the plants in a beautiful manner that happens to be beneficial for the environment as well. The upkeep of gardening allows it to be a daily activity that you can look forward to.
Social Hobbies
Whether extroverted or introverted, we’re wired to interact with other humans. Not only is it exciting to meet new people, but according to the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, an increased amount of social connectedness actually leads to improved mental health. Being part of a social group gives you an opportunity for necessary face-to-face human interaction, and can better your quality of life. Some examples of groups and organizations that seniors can participate in are listed below.
- Red Hat Society. This organization is for women that are above the age of 50, with the pillars of “fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness.” There are various events throughout the year, so you’ll always find yourself busy while creating bonds with the members. The yearly dues to join are $20.
- Toastmasters. For folks who are passionate about leadership and public speaking, consider joining the Toastmasters nonprofit organization. The group has like-minded individuals coming together and strengthening their communication skills. For 6 months, the dues are $45 to enroll. It’s also a great way to become more comfortable with public speaking!
- AARP Foundation. The organization is a place where seniors come together to serve and help underprivileged older adults. It is a social group with a great underlying purpose and message, and the starting yearly dues are $16.
Look at these times with a silver lining — it’s an exciting time in your life with free time to focus on your likes and dislikes, and possibly develop new passions. Whichever cognitive or physical stimulation you choose to incorporate into your daily schedule, there is no doubt that it will be rewarding. For more science-backed hobbies, make sure to check out the infographic below.
