The years we spend in retirement should be anything but boring. Still, some seniors don’t know what to do with their extra time. They’re not working. Family may not be close by. And they likely aren’t able to run a 5K like they used to.
But what can they do?
A lot!
A stroll through our senior living in Baltimore will give you a peek at a wide variety of activities and hobbies for seniors over 80. We’ll discuss some of those hobbies today, but first, let’s talk about the needs of this age group.
Understanding the Needs of Seniors Over 80
In our 80s, our physical capabilities aren’t what they were when we were 40. Most people need low- or no-impact hobbies, but we still want to make friends and work our brains. Some things to consider:
- Physical Limitations: Activities should not be overly demanding but can include mild exercise to maintain mobility.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Aim for hobbies that challenge the mind, like puzzles or reading, to remain sharp.
- Social Interaction: Group activities or clubs foster a sense of belonging and prevent isolation.
- Safety: Ensuring safe environments and accessible resources should be top of mind.
Physical Activity Hobbies
There are many low-impact activities for seniors of any age. Here are some of our favorites:
Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding pastime that allows for creativity and gentle physical work. You’ll get moderate cardiovascular exercise while having ample time for rest. Plus, it’s always nice to see the fruits of our labor after spending a season planting, weeding, and pruning.
Benefits:
- Improved mobility
- Stress reduction
Walking
Whether you need assistance or are able to walk on your own, it’s always nice to go for a walk. You may even be able to join a walking club, which will get your heart pumping and provide time for social interactions.
Things to note:
- Frequency: If physically able, you should be walking on a daily basis.
- Intensity: Don’t overdo it! Keep your activity moderate, and include time for rest
Swimming
Swimming is an ideal exercise for us because it’s low-impact and supports joint health. Water’s buoyancy is kind to our bodies and helps maintain our muscle strength.
Why Swim?:
- Gentle on joints
- Whole-body workout
Creative and Artistic Pursuits
Unleashing your creativity is rewarding at any age. And if you don’t think you’re a creative person, we encourage you to give it a try. You might find a new passion. Here are some of our favorite creative hobbies for seniors over 80:
Painting and Drawing
Painting and drawing give you a chance to express yourself while you improve hand-eye coordination, and whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, you may find immense joy in transforming a white canvas into something new.
Benefits:
- Enhances cognitive abilities
- Promotes relaxation and stress reduction
Writing
Writing is a fantastic way to keep the mind sharp and active. Whether you’re reflecting on your day in a journal, crafting poetry, or writing a novel, writing can be therapeutic and fulfilling.
What to write?
- Memoirs: Share your life experiences with future generations
- Poetry: Express your emotions in a creative way
- Fiction: Let your imagination run wild and create your own world
Crafting
From knitting and crocheting to making jewelry and pottery, seniors tend to love a good craft. You can use or gift your creations, and the process itself can be quite meditative too!
Why Craft?
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Provides a sense of accomplishment
Photography
In the age of smartphones, photography has become more accessible than ever. You might pick up a camera to capture moments with your grandchildren or catch a better glimpse of the bluebird you saw yesterday. But it can be more than that. You can experiment with different photography styles and techniques… and enhance your technical skills along the way!
Tips to Follow:
- Focus on Light: Good lighting creates great photos.
- Learn Composition: Arrange items in different ways to get the best composition.
- Explore: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and find something new to photograph.
Music and Singing
Music has the power to uplift spirits like nothing else. Maybe you played the violin in high school or were a member of your church choir. You can enjoy music well into your golden years. Get started again! Even if you simply enjoy listening to it, music can be a great hobby for seniors over 80.
Why Music?:
- Boosts mood and reduces anxiety
- Stimulates memory recall
Mental Stimulation Activities
Mental stimulation is key to maintaining your overall health, and there are many hobbies for seniors that can boost brain function. Here are a few:
Cooking
Cooking is a necessary life skill, and it’s also a delightful way to stimulate the brain. Following recipes encourages us to pay attention and process information. Measuring ingredients can assist with our problem-solving skills. And the end result is a delicious meal or treat to enjoy!
Benefits of Cooking:
- Enhances creativity
- Improves planning and multitasking skills
Reading
Turning through the pages of a gripping mystery novel. Discovering a new person you admire in a historical biography. Catching up on the latest information in the daily newspaper. Reading – no matter what your choice of material is – can keep your mind active and engaged. It can also be a wonderful escape, transporting you to different times, places, and worlds. You might even want to join a book club and meet friends in the process. (You may enjoy the social interaction as much as the literature!)
Why Read?
- Expands knowledge
- Improves memory and concentration
Games
Games of all sorts are excellent tools for keeping the brain sharp. They challenge our problem-solving abilities, and you can do them on your own at any time. But they can also be a fun game to play with seniors!
Games to Try:
- Crosswords
- Sudoku
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Hangman
- Scrabble
- Chess
- More games for seniors
Video Gaming
Seniors aren’t the traditional demographic for video games, but they aren’t just for the younger generation! You can select puzzle games, strategy games, adventure games, and more. There’s a video game out there for everyone.
Benefits of Video Games:
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Enhances problem-solving skills
- Promotes social interaction through multiplayer games
Embrace A New Hobby at Lighthouse Senior Living in Baltimore
Starting a hobby isn’t about becoming an expert. It’s about finding joy, staying engaged, and keeping our minds and bodies active and healthy.
At Lighthouse Senior Living, we offer a range of activities and have facilities to cater to various hobbies for seniors of all ages. But more than that, we offer a warm and caring community where you can enjoy these pursuits alongside friends.
Hopkins Creek: 410-918-0400
Ellicott City: 410-465-2288