Exciting Pastimes for Older Adults
These are just a few of the numerous activities that older adults can enjoy as they seek out fulfilling and enjoyable ways to utilize their free time.
The benefits of engaging in hobbies are clear and significant.
A study from 2014 that was featured in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology revealed that employees who participated in creative hobbies outside of their jobs displayed increased creativity in their work projects and exhibited a more positive attitude at work. Furthermore, a separate study from 2009 that was published in Psychosomatic Medicine indicated that individuals who partook in enjoyable leisure activities experienced lower blood pressure and had a smaller waist circumference.
Whether older adults are retired or still working but no longer burdened with the responsibilities of raising children, here are some entertaining and captivating hobbies to occupy their leisure time.
1. Culinary Arts: With more time to unleash their inner chefs, older adults can explore cooking classes or opt to teach themselves by investing in a new cookbook brimming with delectable recipes. Preparing a well-cooked meal at home can instill a sense of achievement and grants older adults the opportunity to regulate the ingredients in their meals, which can be crucial for individuals with dietary restrictions related to their health.
2. Writing: Numerous accomplished individuals have chronicled their life stories after lengthy and distinguished careers and life experiences. While older adults may not aspire to publish their memoirs, writing can serve as an excellent method for documenting their own lives and the histories of their families.
3. Gardening: Older adults seeking hobbies that enable them to relish the great outdoors need not look any further than their own gardens. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, gardening can burn as many calories as engaging in a workout at the gym. Moreover, the MCHS highlights that individuals who cultivate their own fruits and vegetables are more inclined to incorporate those foods into their diets, thereby saving money at the grocery store and enhancing their consumption of nutrient-rich foods.
4. Swimming: Swimming represents an ideal form of exercise for older adults, as it is gentle on the joints while still offering a comprehensive workout for the entire body. A study from 2007 that was published in the journal Quality of Life Research demonstrated that aquatic exercise enhances the quality of life for older adults and reduces disability. Additionally, a separate study from 2008 that was featured in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness indicated that water-based exercise can enhance or help to sustain bone health in post-menopausal women.