Engaging in hobbies that you love is a key element of healthy aging. Hobbies help you stay active, both physically and mentally. The problem is that sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start.
Our Grand Junction, CO, senior community, located only 30 minutes from the Colorado National Monument, wants to help every senior find new purpose and joy in their lives.
Listed below are some of the most rewarding hobbies and interests that can help make your retirement feel like an exciting adventure every single day. Keep reading to learn how to start trying them for yourself!
The creative arts have created meaningful pastimes for humans for many generations. They represent a way to indulge in creative expression and playful exploration.
You'll get to re-evaluate the way you view the world and learn how to show your personality through colors, shapes, and lines. Engaging in the creative arts can be the ticket to better mental well-being.
The good news is that there are so many ways to explore your creativity that you're bound to find something that speaks to you. The creative arts include activities such as:
Helping something grow to its full fruition is an extended project with great rewards. Gardening comes with many benefits, like a continuous reason to get some exercise. It can also encourage you to eat more healthily when you have easy access to fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
If you don't have access to a plot of land, don't worry. Potted plants are as beneficial and can thrive as much as their outside counterparts. You'll soon fall in love with your little potted plant, too!
Reading is one of those retirement hobbies that often go under the radar. It's not as flashy as other activities, but reading still deserves a lot of praise.
When you read, you're working on skills such as:
Plus, reading can be done anywhere as a way to relax and disconnect from the world around you. Whether you're on the bed in your senior apartments or outside enjoying the sunshine, reading can be the answer to a dull day.
There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of solving a difficult puzzle. It takes hard work and dedication to reach that finish line. Puzzles also help boost problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and memory.
Don't forget to enlist help from friends and family members to boost social engagement. Working through a puzzle with loved ones makes the journey feel even more satisfying and enjoyable.
Whether you like logic puzzles, word puzzles, or 5,000-piece puzzles, each one can keep your brain firing on all cylinders while having a lot of fun.
When it comes to life enrichment ideas, few activities will give you a sense of fulfillment and connection as volunteering. It not only makes you feel good to help others, but it's also a significant way to enact change.
Altruistic acts are always needed and appreciated. By volunteering, you're bettering the world.
Even if you can't travel somewhere or can't physically volunteer your time, there are other ways to help.
For example, people learning English could always use someone to talk to for practice. Online programs can connect you to these students so you both benefit.
Taking the time to reflect on your life can help you learn about yourself through a new perspective. It can help you evaluate your emotions and even lead to deeper relationships with friends and family.
It's a cathartic activity that enriches your life simply through the act of writing down your thoughts.
The best part is that you don't need to ever show your journal to anyone. It can be a secret tool for you and you alone. This way, you can feel an extra sense of freedom and enjoyment as you fill out the pages.
No list of senior activities should forget to mention the engaging fun that comes with playing games. Even if you don't think of yourself as a gamer, there's still enjoyment to be had in the gaming world.
You can play them solo or with a group of friends. You can pick one that's a brain teaser or one that has a simple card mechanic. Some games take you on an alien adventure, while others let you build up a farm from scratch.
With so many options and varieties, it can be overwhelming. Try considering some of these games to get started:
Living in Grand Junction means you have easy access to a lot of unique landmarks and historical sites. Taking in the dusky reds of the Colorado National Monument, for example, can feel like you've been transported to a whole new world. It can be a sight that inspires you in your other hobbies.
Many nearby museums and parks show off the history of our state and the local area. If nothing else, we're close to the Colorado River, which can always be a cool spot to visit for an afternoon.
Make sure to bring others with you so you can be safe no matter where you choose to explore next.
Here at The Lodge at Grand Junction, we make finding new hobbies and interests a breeze for our senior community.
We offer a calendar full of activities, events, and outings so you always have the chance to try new things. Our team focuses on helping seniors achieve a Vibrant Life through personalized care plans, resort-like amenities, and restaurant-style dining.
Contact us today, and we'd love to give you a tour of our thriving Grand Junction senior community!