Having hobbies is important at any age, and you always have time to develop new ones. Whether you’re looking for more stimulating pastimes or want to improve your mental health, there are endless reasons to seek out new hobbies.

At The Gardens assisted living community, you’ll find an activities calendar full of new possible hobbies for you to try. From clubs that promote social interaction to quiet personal hobbies that help you relax, there’s a hobby out there for everyone.

What Is a Hobby?

Simply put, a hobby is any activity you voluntarily participate in and enjoy on a regular basis. With such a broad definition, your choice of hobbies is seemingly endless. That said, some hobbies are easier to start than others. Are you going to suddenly get into mountain climbing after retirement? Maybe not. But don’t worry, there are plenty of hobbies that can easily be picked up at any stage of life.

Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies

Hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time. Whether you realize it or not, your hobbies affect your mental and physical well-being. Studies show that seniors who have hobbies tend to live longer than those who don’t. Additionally, hobbies help define who you are as a person. Having hobbies can also:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Strengthen social connections
• Decrease the chance of depression
• Provide feelings of purpose
• Keep your mind sharp

Easy Hobbies to Start in Retirement

Retirement can be a tricky transition. After years of work, you’re left with large gaps in your daily schedule that can be tough to fill. Hobbies are a great way to begin filling those gaps. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or get back into an old one, here are a few ideas to give you some inspiration.

Knitting or Crochet

Knitting or crocheting is a simple way to keep your hands busy and nimble. This hobby is thought to improve mental health and may also reduce your risk of memory loss. Once you get the hang of this new skill, you can start creating beautiful knitted or crocheted gifts for your loved ones as well.

Meditation

If you experience stressful or anxious feelings throughout your day, you might want to give meditation a try. This is an easy hobby to get into because you don’t need to buy any supplies. You can get started on your own with just a YouTube video and a comfortable place to sit.

Gardening

Getting your hands in the earth and growing something beautiful or nutritious is an incredibly grounding feeling. From a windowsill herb garden to a community vegetable garden, there are many ways to break into this activity. You'll need a few gardening supplies to get started, but after that, gardening just takes patience and dedication.

Painting/Coloring/Collaging

With any hobby, it’s important to remember that there are no rules. You don’t need to be “good” at painting to become a painter, for example. Art therapy has several benefits for older adults, including improved cognition and increased quality of life.

Reading

Reading is a versatile hobby that can be enjoyed alone or with a group. If you’re looking to get more social interaction in your life, consider joining a local book club. Or start your own book club if your community doesn’t have one.

Photography

Photography is an ideal hobby for anyone looking to get more active. You don’t need a fancy camera to get started, either. Simply grab your smartphone and take a walk around your neighborhood. Snap photos of things that make you happy along the way. Eventually, you can take classes and upgrade your equipment if you choose.

Bird-Watching

Nature and wildlife are fascinating. Did you know that bird-watching is good for mental health? Studies show that spending more time around birds and trees can reduce your chance of developing depression. Technically, you don’t need any supplies to get started. However, you might consider a pair of binoculars and a bird book to make bird-watching easier.

Continued Learning

These days the internet is filled with free courses covering every topic you could imagine. Whether you want to take a creative writing course or learn about the history of Ireland, there’s a class out there for you. Studies show that lifelong learning has positive effects on you as well. Those who continue learning later in life tend to feel more fulfilled and socially satisfied.

Music

Whether listening to it or learning to play an instrument, music is a powerful hobby that can elevate your mood and reduce stress. To give music a social angle, try joining a local choir or host an album listening party with your loved ones.

Leisure Sports

Leisure sports such as golf or badminton are excellent ways to maintain physical health and engage socially with your peers. Physical activity is also good for your mental health.

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