As we get older, it’s not uncommon to find more time on your hands … maybe a lot of time. If you’ve filled your years raising a family or growing your career (or both), retirement can be a much-looked-forward-to relief. But it also means that you may suddenly struggle with how to fill your waking hours.
“Having a hobby or two – or more – is a great way for older adults to stay active and find purpose in retirement,” says Wendy Kaufman, Executive Director of Waterstone on High Ridge. “Not only do hobbies help chase away boredom, but they also provide many health benefits that can help adults thrive in their senior years.”
While some seniors may fill their time with home maintenance, chores and running a home, these tasks can get tedious and tiring. Frankly, wouldn’t you rather be doing something more enjoyable and productive in your retirement?
“Moving into a retirement community like Waterstone on High Ridge provides you with a carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle, which gives you the opportunity to explore all sorts of healthy hobbies in your retirement years,” says Wendy. “It’s a great way for older adults to seek out new opportunities while also having peace of mind as they get older.”
Why Are Healthy Hobbies?
When you think of the word “hobby,” you may think of anything ranging from knitting to skiing and beyond. If your hobbies are of the less-active variety, you may wonder how they can be healthy. As it turns out, healthy hobbies don’t require you to work up a sweat physically. Simply doing something that challenges your brain, ignites your curiosity or boosts your creativity provides various health benefits for your mental, emotional and social health.
Not only that, but hobbies are fun and enjoyable. And retirement is the perfect opportunity to pick up a hobby that has fallen by the wayside or start something new that you’ve always wanted to try. Here are seven hobbies that provide not just entertainment but health benefits as well:
Sports and fitness
Staying physically active is incredibly important for older adults. It’s recommended that seniors (and adults in general) get approximately 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. This translates to 30 minutes a day, five times a week. A great way to get that exercise in is by finding a hobby that gets you out and about. There are many different sports and fitness activities that are great for older adults. Here are just a handful:
- Swimming
- Golf
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Fitness classes
Staying physically active is a boost not just to your physical well-being but also your mental health. Many sports activities are also social events, especially if you join a club or group dedicated to your hobby. The trick is, as with anything, to find something that you enjoy and look forward to doing.
Gardening
Gardening is a wonderful hobby. In fact, it’s the number one hobby in the United States, and its popularity only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve ever experienced the satisfaction of planting something and watching it flourish, you can understand why it’s such a popular hobby. Besides the satisfaction you gain, there are plenty of mental and physical benefits of playing in the dirt, such as reducing stress, providing a source of physical activity, giving a sense of accomplishment and more. If you’ve always wanted to try gardening but have somewhat of a black thumb, consider starting out slow by purchasing potted plants or herbs.
Gaming
Have you ever heard of the silver gamer? It turns out that gaming isn’t something just for teenagers anymore. In fact, more adults 55 and older are playing video games now than ever before. It helps that games are ubiquitous these days, readily available on your smartphone, tablet or gaming console. Besides providing entertainment, gaming these days often gives older individuals the chance to socialize. Many popular games allow you to play against other individuals, whether they’re next to you or across the globe. Multiplayer games will develop a community of their own, and many people have found lifelong friends (and in some cases, spouses and significant others). Playing games helps seniors stay connected, boost brain function and provide creative problem-solving opportunities.
Cooking
Cooking and baking are some of the oldest hobbies in the world. After all, everyone needs to eat, and cooking a wonderful meal provides a sense of accomplishment like nothing else. Cooking can be an excellent hobby that teaches new techniques and introduces you to new cuisines. It’s also a great way to make sure you and your loved ones are eating a healthy, fresh, nutritious diet that helps you feel and look great.
Puzzles
Puzzles are one of the most enjoyable and stimulating hobbies. From jigsaw to word to mental to logic to a variety of other topics, puzzles are prolific and a fantastic way for older adults to keep their brains active and sharp. One of the best things about puzzles is that you don’t have to accomplish everything in one sitting. You can do a little here and there, and come and go as you please. This means that the enjoyment can stretch out for days – even weeks. Look for puzzles that align with your unique interests for a hobby that will keep you returning to them again and again.
Reading
Who doesn’t love curling up with an intriguing book? This traditional but timely hobby is a great hobby for anyone of any age. These days, getting a good book is easier than ever, thanks to Amazon and e-book lending services like OverDrive or Libby. Grab yourself an e-reader (or download an app to your smartphone or tablet), and you can have hundreds of titles at your fingertips. (Don’t forget to ask us about the Book Club at Waterstone on High Ridge!)
Playing an instrument
Did you ever dream of learning to play the guitar or the drums? At some point, most of us imagined becoming a rock or pop star. Although you may be past the point of selling out stadiums, music is an excellent hobby that can be picked up no matter how old or young you are. Learning a new instrument (or, similarly, a new language) challenges the brain in various ways, which can help battle against cognitive decline and dementia. Playing an instrument also helps with hand-eye coordination, problem-solving and a slew of other benefits.
Retirement is a wonderful time of life to discover new passions and pick up old ones. Besides the enjoyment, you’ll reap a variety of health benefits that will allow you to continue your learning, loving and new lifestyle for years to come.
Welcome Home to Waterstone!
We look forward to introducing you to the definitive, distinctive lifestyle at Waterstone on High Ridge and welcoming you as one of the first residents of our community. For more information, please call 203.361.9717 and discover how you can help shape the future of our premier rental community for seniors 62 and over.
The Height of Senior Living: Opening Early 2022
Discerning seniors in Fairfield County who desire a luxurious retirement lifestyle will find exactly what they’ve been seeking at Waterstone on High Ridge.
Located on a beautifully landscaped hill above High Ridge Road, Waterstone on High Ridge is an experience like no other. You’ll live on a verdant campus neighboring quiet conservation land, with easy access to the shopping, dining and cultural opportunities in nearby downtown Stamford, CT. Once you step into our sophisticated, approachable common areas brimming with extensive amenities, attentive team members, engaging programming and thoughtful care, you’ll know that Waterstone on High Ridge is the place to call home.
Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Waterstone on High Ridge provides myriad ways for seniors 62+ to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. In this classic, beautiful new community, you’ll be inspired by all the amenities and programs to take up a new hobby, exercise in our fitness center and indoor pool, and make new friends while dining and enjoying social events.
Waterstone on High Ridge is filled with energizing and convenient amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, salon, parking and more. Enjoy your elegant living space – a large, sunlit apartment complete with a full-size designer kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, walk-in closet and more.
Our rental apartment community means no steep entrance fees, providing greater financial flexibility. Everything at Waterstone on High Ridge was created with you in mind, where our attentive team members, extensive programs and luxury amenities give you the ability to make life your own– how you like it.
Welcome to Waterstone on High Ridge. Welcome home! Join the experience of what life is like at this premier senior living community by calling 203.361.9717.
