Lifestyle changes occur as people grow older. Despite having to adjust activities due to advancing age, seniors should not cut out time spent outdoors, physical activity, or socializing. Choose activities carefully, such as ones that are less strenuous yet enjoyable.
The following fun outdoor hobbies will keep seniors pleasantly engaged. Many hobbies can be enjoyed in groups, while others may be pursued independently. Hobbies lead to the formation of community, and a sense of community is one of the most valued aspects of retirement.
1. Gardening
Harvesting herbs, watching flowers bloom, and being in nature are benefits of outdoor gardening. Since gardening is cyclical, it offers aging adults meaning and purpose—seniors work toward planning the garden each year and ensuring conditions are optimum for healthy growth.
While gardening is a creative pursuit, digging the soil provides seniors with essential physical exercise. Time spent under the warm rays of the sun delivers necessary vitamin D. Equally beneficial is that gardening utilizes all five senses and is a relaxing hobby that connects seniors with nature.
The weekly farmers’ markets are a draw for young and old alike. Vendors sell fresh produce in outdoor lots, inviting seniors to pick locally grown vegetables and fruits. Elderly individuals might make trips to the farmers’ market a weekly event during summertime.
Farmers’ markets may be enjoyed a second way: Seniors who garden have the option to sell their produce in the farmers’ markets. The process of selling goods in a local farmer’s market leads to community involvement—and the camaraderie itself is a fulfilling experience.
3. Picnicking
Picking garden vegetables or buying fruits from the farmer’s market are sufficient for a picnic in the park. Seniors might invite friends and family to prepare a meal and join in for a pleasant afternoon under a shady tree. In fact, seniors can turn picnicking into a weekly event.
The social nature of picnicking with friends or family is beneficial to the emotional well-being of seniors. A two-person picnic with a senior and caregiver can be just as pleasant. A spot near the water offers a change of scenery and a chance to relish a light meal amidst nature.
4. Fishing
While out picnicking, some seniors may gravitate toward a pond where fish are abundant. Fishing requires minimum physical exertion. As a result, older people with limited mobility can spend a leisurely day on the water with a fishing line and bait hook.
Grandfathers might go fishing with grandchildren every weekend. Sharing the pastime with youth connects older adults with the younger generation. While the strengthening of social bonds is a benefit, seniors who fish also utilize their knowledge and ability to focus to accomplish a goal.
5. Swimming
While some seniors prefer to throw a line into the water, others would rather jump in. Swimming is a hobby that is beneficial to the physical health of seniors. Confident swimmers exercise their whole body. Plus, the sport offers seniors a chance to clear their minds.
Seniors who are hesitant about paddling two feet in a lake or pool may opt for a brisk walk on firm ground instead. Walking offers older adults a low-impact cardio workout. Aging adults can walk alone; or they may join a caregiver, friend or walking group.
Hikes along nature trails are an excellent way to benefit from sun exposure and get physical exercise. Seniors may immerse themselves in the scenic natural surroundings. Hiking requires minimal gear. Plus, elderly individuals who hike with friends have a chance to converse.
7. Bird Watching
While out on hiking trails, seniors may see colorful birds flutter through the treetops. Older adults may be delighted by the unique sounds of bird calls and endlessly curious about their fine feathered friends. Bird watching is an accessible and extremely popular hobby for bird lovers of all ages.
A field guide and binoculars are necessary to carry out this hobby. Seniors who are less mobile can bird watch from the backyard. A caregiver might set up a bird feeder to attract various species. Seniors will find immense joy in identifying birds as they fly in for a morsel.
8. Photography
Photographing a colorful bird can result in an amusing anecdote to tell the grandchildren. Older people who pursue photography as a hobby spend a great deal of time outdoors chasing the perfect photo. As an artistic hobby, photography unleashes the creative side of aging adults.
Capturing animals and people digitally can be a source of limitless fun. Photography also allows seniors the opportunity to express themselves. Plus, walking a trail to snap photos of nature or hitting the city streets to photograph detailed architecture gives seniors much-needed physical exercise.
Home Care from Assisting Hands
Hobbies give older adults a sense of purpose and an opportunity to enjoy life in a way that is meaningful to them. As seniors age, however, physical or cognitive limitations can prevent them from pursuing activities they have previously enjoyed. Assisting Hands Home Care can step in and help.
Professional caregivers from our reputable home care agency are skilled in helping seniors lead fulfilling lives. We understand the importance of leisure activities, which offer seniors the chance to socially connect, relax, momentarily escape, and experience an overall high quality of life.
Our caregivers accompany care recipients who would feel more confident with extra support. We walk with seniors around the block to ensure they exercise, drive seniors to senior centers for activities, and join them on picnics at the local park, for example.
In addition to elderly care services, Assisting Hands Home Care service providers discreetly help seniors with personal hygiene tasks, prepare nutritious meals, perform light housekeeping, assess the home for fall risks, shop for groceries, and provide transportation to doctors’ appointments.
Contact Us
Seniors who choose Assisting Hands Home Care for all their non-medical care needs are fully satisfied with the quality of elder care we provide. Our reliable services are available to seniors living in the communities surrounding west Broward County, Florida.