What’s one of the biggest luxuries of retirement? Your time is yours to spend exactly how you want it.
As your time frees up in retirement, there are opportunities to fill your days with activities that matter to you. While relaxation and downtime are important, adding activities to your schedule provides both structure and enjoyment. Taking part in different pastimes can provide you with real fulfillment.
Whether it’s an old hobby you’re excited to revisit or a new skill you want to learn, there are many meaningful activities for seniors. Follow the list below to learn about different things you can try and their benefits.
Volunteering
In an effort to give back, consider volunteering. Research a cause that you want to be involved in and discover ways you can help out. Or, consider volunteering through teaching or mentoring.
If you’re still passionate about your industry post-retirement, spread your knowledge to others. Try getting in touch with a local school or networking organization to contribute your expertise.
Attending Events
Getting involved can help boost your mood and increase social interaction. One way to do this is by attending local events. Get together with friends and family or take the opportunity to meet new people.
Attending an event where everything is already put together for you allows you to spend more time with others and enjoy the entertainment. This also eliminates the pressure of hosting or trying to keep your friends entertained.
Some events to try include:
- Live music
- Cooking classes
- Golf outings
- Book club
- Community events
Most senior living communities offer a wide range of community events. Be sure to check what events are occurring in your community to get involved. If large events aren’t for you, consider joining a club. Clubs are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and bond over a common interest such as reading.
Traveling
In your retirement, you may find yourself with more time to travel than you did before. Without the hassle of getting time off approved, you’re able to travel freely. Consider the locations you have dreamed about visiting and start planning. From local day trips to international cruises, there are many options to try when it comes to traveling. Ideas to consider include:
- Day trip
- Cruise
- Group tour
- Visit a neighboring state
- Visit all 50 states
Different locations can appeal to different interests and desires. Make sure to align the destination with meaningful activities you will enjoy.
Related: 5 Great Senior Vacation Ideas For A Fun And Accessible Trip
Art Lessons
Grab some paint brushes, a sketch pad or head to a pottery class. Art, in all its forms, is another great activity for seniors in their retirement to explore.
If you’re an experienced artist, use your free time to reconnect with your skills. Practicing art comes with many benefits, whether it’s painting, drawing, pottery or another art form, they all provide positive outcomes.
If you are new to art, seek out lessons to learn and master the skill. Creating art can help:
- Enhance motor skills
- Increase cognitive function
- Express thoughts and feelings
- Aid chronic pain
- Boost mood
Art is a therapeutic practice and can benefit seniors in more ways than one. Painting and other art forms offer a calming nature that not all activities can provide. This is a good option for seniors looking to try something new or connect with an old hobby.
Brain Games
Playing games allows you to engage your brain and have fun at the same time. Games present an opportunity for socialization with friends and family while also improving your problem-solving and memory skills. Brain games also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, provide mental stimulation, increase hand-eye coordination and boost mood. Some games to try are:
- Bingo
- Chess
- Word search
- Crossword puzzle
- Scrabble
For those who are more tech-savvy, there are phone or tablet applications available to download similar games on your device. These offer the same mental stimulation in a single handheld item.
Related: Fun Brain Games For Seniors
Fitness Classes
Getting your body moving every day is great for your health. There are simple exercises that can get you started such as going for walks, lifting dumbbells or using elastic bands. Working out these muscles will build strength while increasing your flexibility and overall mobility.
For structured instructions, fitness classes are available to show you how to perform certain moves and ensure you are doing them correctly to prevent any injuries. Classes could include:
- Yoga
- Jazzercise
- Water aerobics
- Pilates
- Tai Chi
Fitness classes are not limited to in person events. Exercise videos are available online for you to try at home. The instructors in these videos provide structured workouts and the motivation to keep you moving.
Related: Low-Impact Exercises For Seniors
Gardening
Starting a garden presents a unique opportunity to watch something come to life. Taking the time to tend to your garden will also help with staying active. Working hard to produce fresh fruits or vegetables can influence a healthy diet by incorporating your own creations into your meals. During this process, you may meet other gardeners in your area to increase your social interaction. The benefits that come with gardening go beyond just receiving fresh produce.
Related: Gardening For Seniors: How To Get Started
Our Approach To Meaningful Activities
Our senior living communities are 100% resident-focused. That means we get to know our residents in order to create an enjoyable and meaningful experience for them. Our community events and various amenities and features can help residents prioritize their hobbies while having fun and feeling fulfilled in their retirement.
To learn more about our community’s resident-focused approach, call 1-844-275-9990. Or find a community near you and schedule a tour.
