Life in your golden years is an exciting time to explore new hobbies and be inspired by new passions. Whether you get in touch with old favourites or discover untapped interests with your partner or your friends, having a hobby is important at every age, but especially as we grow older. From encouraging physical activity to giving the brain a workout, socializing plays a role in our quality of life and even our longevity and is a cornerstone of our Sunrise of Lynn Valley experience where we live with purpose every day!
Research shows that older adults who are socially active are more likely to follow their doctor’s advice for routine health screenings, take medications, and engage in other self-care necessities. This can lead to improved physical, emotional, and mental health.
Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. The dangers of isolation for older adults are well established, too. Seniors who spend too much time alone are more likely to become sedentary and develop health problems as a result. Diabetes, depression, stroke, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure are a few conditions that are more common among people who suffer from isolation.
Finding New Hobbies
One of the best ways to find a new hobby is to think back to what you loved doing as a child or young adult. Did you dream of playing the drums or guitar? Maybe you always wanted to learn how to tap dance or ride a horse? Sit down with pen and paper and give careful thought to the dreams you had that may have been sidelined after you started working or raising a family.
This list of ideas might help you connect with a hobby you’ve never considered before:
- Pickleball: If you are looking for a fun, social and friendly sport to engage in, pickleball is an easy game that combines elements of tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton. Played both indoors and outdoors, this sport can be enjoyed in doubles or singles. All you need is a paddle, a small plastic ball with holes, and a badminton-sized court.
- Learn photography: While cell phones have turned many of us into frequent photographers, we are not necessarily taking quality shots. You can probably find a good used camera or treat yourself to a new one with advice from your local camera shop. To learn how to use it, check out free videos on YouTube or the manufacturer’s website, or enroll in a photography class.
- Explore historical sites: We live in an area rich in history, and you may have been driving past sites with historical significance for years without really paying attention. A favourite pastime for many people is touring regional and national historical sites. Take time to slow down and learn more about your city, province, and country.
- Watercolour or acrylic painting: Taking a class at your local community or senior center, or even a local museum, gives you an opportunity to meet new friends while also taking on a new skill. Many include all supplies in their fee, so you don’t have a lot of upfront costs for a hobby you aren’t quite sure you’ll like yet.
- Learn a new language: Not only is this a fun way to spend your time, but it’s also a great way to give your brain a workout. If you can’t find a local class to join, sites like Babbel or Duolingo are good options. They even have free trials to help you get started.
- Master the art of gardening: Gardening is a pastime you can engage in at every age. From window boxes and raised beds to vegetable and cut flower beds, there are many options. You can find workshops at a local garden centre to help you learn the basics.
- Cheer on your local sports team with friends: Whether it’s live or televised, a hockey or football game, or even a soccer match, can create a sense of community and quickly turn into a routine activity with friends as you cheer your local team to victory! It’s a good way to support local sports and create camaraderie!
- Take up bird watching: It can be as simple as investing in a good-quality bird book and a pair of binoculars at first. Your local park or botanical garden might have programs or tours to help you learn more about the feathered friends in your area. You’re welcome to come join us for a nature walk at our Sunrise community in Lynn Valley to spot the woodpeckers, bald eagles, hawks, and other native birds.
- Start a Walking Club: It is easy to walk and talk, and it can be done in any season, anywhere. If you’re a nature lover and want to take in some fresh air, you can find paths through woods and along beaches. If you’re more of a people-watcher, take your walk through the local malls or downtown streets. If it’s just for leisure, you can keep a slower pace and, if you want to get in some exercise, try power walking or even carrying small weights while you stroll.
Live Life to the Fullest at Sunrise of Lynn Valley
Residents of Sunrise Senior Living of Lynn Valley have a wide variety of activities and events to participate in every day. And with someone else handling the household chores, like housekeeping, cooking, and lawn care, there’s time to participate in as many as you choose! So go ahead and find new hobbies with friends and family—we’ll take care of the rest.
Call us at 604-904-1226.
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