Hobbies Keep Older Adults Active, Happy, and Healthy

Once you retire, what will you do with your free time? If you are already retired, are you remaining physically and mentally active? Are you enjoying your life?

When you are retired, you have more free time for activities. You may have many things on your 'to-do list.' You might think about traveling or spending time with your children and grandchildren. There is still room for more and having a hobby or two can keep you mentally and physically fit - but just as important - make life more enjoyable.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), engaging in a hobby you enjoy can help maintain an individual's well-being and independence as they get older. The NIA says an active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in. It includes activities that are meaningful to you, and hobbies can do the trick.

Hobbies can be some of the most rewarding things in your life. It's what you might look forward to each day, right behind being with your family. 

Here are some creative hobbies you may want to consider for yourself or an older family member.

Gardening

Gardening is a fun hobby to start because you can put as much effort into it as you desire and within your physical abilities. Tending a garden connects you to the outdoors and can improve your mood. Gardening can also encourage physical exercise. The amount of the activity can be modified based on a person's overall health and mobility.

Working outside in the sun daily has numerous benefits for your overall health (so long as you adequately protect your skin). Sunshine helps you with Vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital for your bone and immune system health reducing your chances of developing osteoporosis.

The physical activity of gardening keeps you active and reduces your risk of a heart attack or stroke by as much as 30%, in research published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The sunshine and physical activity also improve your mood and reduces stress and anxiety. Furthermore, you get to eat nutritious fruits and veggies if you decide to grow those in your garden. 

Perhaps you want to add color and add some landscaping around your home. Flower gardens can do the trick. You can get as elaborate as you wish. Some people enjoy adding a few flower beds here and there - other people enjoy the challenges of a more extensive garden. Either way, you get to decide. 

Gardening can be a tricky hobby to break into at first, as you'll likely go through months of day-to-day work without seeing too many tangible rewards. However, after you've invested a good chunk of your time, you'll be thankful because you now have fresh food to eat and flowers to share with your friends, along with a fun new hobby.

Model Building

Model building has always been the hobby expert's hobby, meaning that only people who are incredibly devoted to their craft do it. You often see people building models in TV shows and movies, but finding someone who does so in real life is challenging. Nevertheless, you should try it, as it can be addictive.

There's something gratifying about putting so much time and care into the tiniest details and seeing all your hard work manifest into something more significant. Model building is also a great hobby to do with others, as you can all build different pieces and have them come together at the end of everything.

Working on Cars

You could work on model cars and trains or work on the real thing. Whether you're restoring an old car or are putting some extra work into upgrading your diesel truck, this hobby is exciting and rewarding. 

Be careful, however, if you are working on an actual vehicle. Jay Leno, the former host of the "Tonight Show," suffered burns from a fire while working on a car. According to reports, Leno is expected to fully recover from the burn injuries. Leno has worked on vehicles most of his life, so it can happen to anyone. 

Local communities often have car shows where people gather and show off their restored and customized vehicles. There are numerous car shows nationwide and even worldwide, from smaller shows with local restorers to major shows featuring people who work with restoration full-time. 

If you're upgrading your vehicle, not only will you reap the rewards of your hard work when your car is restored and drives nicely. For example, many people enjoy as others turn their heads as they drive by in a fully restored 1955 Ford Thunderbird. It can be a challenging hobby to start, but you'll quickly lose yourself to it once you're in it.

Many Options Available – Choose A Few That are Fun

You or a loved one can enjoy many hobbies in their 'golden years. Whether it be playing cards with a group of friends regularly, arts and crafts, cooking, learning and playing a musical instrument, writing, bike riding, and so much more. 

Online games, like hearts, solitaire, and FreeCell, can be fun and keep the mind active. There is little doubt that remaining active physically, socially, and mentally has many benefits as you get older.

Dr. James Leverenz, a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, says being active probably influences your risk of dementia in the future.

There's enough data here to suggest that being socially, mentally active -- along with what we know from other research, physically active -- probably does influence whether you're going to get dementia down the line. And you can reduce your risk by being mentally and physically active.

If a potential hobby involves physical activity, check with your doctor before starting. Although moderate physical activity is probably safe for most people, medical experts suggest talking to your doctor before you begin a hobby if it includes any physical effort on your part.

Find something that you enjoy doing! These are only a few creative hobbies to start when you're older, but they're great jumping-off points for expressing your creativity. Make sure not to force a hobby, but instead, find one that feels rewarding to you.