For many seniors, retirement means more free time, but also a lack of things to do. Whether they’re looking for something to fill the hours or just some quality time with their grandchildren, here are our recommendations for activities seniors can enjoy. There’s enough variety in this list that there should be something for everyone! Some of these ideas might be old favorites, while others might be new to you. We hope you’ll find one that sounds like fun and start doing it today!
- Exercise
Sweating is one of the best ways to keep your body young and healthy. Many people consider exercise a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Visit a local gym where you can walk on a treadmill, swim laps, or use an exercise bicycle. If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, you might enjoy hiking or gardening. Gardening can provide some physical activity in addition to fresh veggies and herbs for your cooking! Walking is a great exercise for seniors. It’s low-impact, so your joints won’t hurt, and it can be done anywhere. Walk with someone in your neighborhood or join a fun walking group that gets together every week. Whether you walk for leisure or to lose weight, try to do it 3-4 times per week for at least 30 minutes each time. The more you exercise, the healthier you’ll feel overall!
- Socializing
Many of us enjoy spending time with friends and family as we get older, and that’s great news! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to spend time with others by joining a book club, hosting a dinner party, going out on the town, or visiting friends and family more often. Seniors often have a lot of years behind them, and a lot of years ahead of them! It’s nice to spend time with the people you love. Do you have children or grandchildren? Make plans to visit with them! If they’re too far away to visit often, make sure to talk on the phone or Skype. Can you take care of children or grandchildren while their parents work? Helping out is a great way to connect with them. Taking care of your grandchildren is a chance for you to spend time together and raise good kids into happy adults. This will be a chance to mentor them and teach them important lessons they can take with them for the rest of their lives. You won’t regret it!
- Play Bingo
While some seniors might not be up for all the action of a bingo hall, you can play at home! Bingo can be a lot of fun when you have friends or family to enjoy it with. If you like to play cards, there are special bingo cards made just for seniors that have large print and easy-to-spot colors. A bingo party is a great way to break the ice and get to know your neighbors! Free Bingo is a fun way to enjoy Bingo online! All you need is an internet-connected device.
- Reading
There are a lot of things that can be distracting for seniors, one of them being the various things that they can choose from. Many seniors find it difficult to decide what they want to do and spend their time doing nothing at all. However, reading is one of the best ways to spend your time where you get knowledge and entertainment at the same time. Reading is something you can do anywhere without putting much effort into it and requires minimal attention, making it possible for seniors to read even while resting or doing something else at the same time.
- Pottery painting
As we age, some of us find our hands aren’t as steady as they used to be. Holding a paintbrush can be difficult for those with arthritis or weak fingers. Seniors who have difficulty using a paintbrush might like try pottery painting instead! Simply roll out clay on a table or work surface, squeeze your paints onto it, and go crazy! The clay can be molded into almost any shape, so you don’t have to worry about ruining the beautiful design on the outside of the pottery. You’ll be creating something completely unique without even breaking a sweat! Pottery painting is especially fun if you enjoy the company of others. You can hold a pottery painting party with your friends or family and make some awesome crafts together!
- Learn a language
Learning a new language can make it easier to communicate with your family or friends who speak that language. It will also help you in many ways outside of communication. Learning a new language increases brain activity, especially in the area of memory. By learning a new language, you’ll be able to memorize things more easily and have better long-term memory overall. Learning a new language is never too late! You can try to learn the basics of a brand-new language or refresh your memory about the language you learned when you were young. The internet has lots of great tools for this purpose, like websites with flashcards and fun interactive lessons, like the ones on Babbel’s website .
- Volunteer
One of the best ways to enjoy your later years is by giving back to others and volunteering! Helping others gives you a great opportunity to make a difference in their lives. You can volunteer for organizations that provide the elderly with numerous services, like Meals on Wheels, at senior centers, or as tutors for younger children. You can also volunteer at schools and various charities, like the Salvation Army or the Humane Society. Volunteering is a great way to spend your time and helps make you feel good about yourself while helping out at the same time!
- Learn how to knit
Knitting is one of those old-fashioned activities that many seniors still enjoy doing today. Knitting is one of the best ways for seniors to keep their hands busy and feel productive. There are so many different things you can create by knitting, like scarves, sweaters, or hats! Knitting is also a great option if you have trouble with vision because it requires little or no hand-eye coordination. You can knit your own items and make them as gifts for others. If you enjoy crafting with paper, you might want to check out some easy origami ideas to try too!
