Hobbies for Seniors

November 9, 2018
Janelle Thomas MSN, RN

When seniors get to the point where they are spending much of their day watching television and being cranky with the care assistants, it may be time for them to explore a new hobby. Seniors that are not as independent and mobile as they once were, now have a lot of free time on their hands and might feel bored with their day-to-day routine.

Hobbies are ways for people to express themselves creatively, expand their mind, and promote social interaction by doing things they love. Even when people are busy, they can find relaxation and rejuvenation in doing hobbies.

When seniors are searching for meaning and fulfillment in their post-retirement years, hobbies can be rewarding and boost their self-esteem greatly. If your senior loved one is feeling bored or somewhat down in the dumps, it may be time for them to discover a hobby.

Tips on Finding the Right Hobby

You and your senior loved one will be able to find the right hobby much more quickly when you take a serious look at what their interests are and what they want out of a pastime.

For example, do they want something that must be done in a group, like a book club or dancing, or that can be solitary, like writing poetry?

Is there something they used to do years ago that they want to start up again?

Is there a community network of hobbyists they can tap into for ideas or support?

What is a hobby they’ve always wanted to try but never had the time?

All these questions can help you and your senior land on the right hobby for them to begin.

Remember that it is fine if your aging loved one doesn’t enjoy the first hobby they pick. Sometimes it takes the right activity and the right combination of circumstances to really make things fall into place. Determination and persistence will fuel any search for a new hobby.

30+ Hobby Ideas for Seniors

There are as many hobbies out there as there are people, but seniors are somewhat limited in what they can do because of illness or diminished abilities due to age.

Also, transportation may be an issue when it comes to attending classes or get-togethers with others with similar interests. However, family members, care assistants, and driver services can make it easier than ever for seniors to connect with others in their new hobby.

Here’s a list of hobby ideas that may turn your senior from a couch potato to an enthusiast:

Activities

  • Astronomy
  • Aquariums
  • Book clubs
  • Brewing beer
  • Calligraphy
  • Computer classes
  • Creative writing and poetry
  • Dancing
  • Doll collecting
  • Floral Arranging
  • Genealogy
  • Gourmet cooking
  • Linguistics
  • Making models
  • Photography
  • Puppetry
  • Volunteering

Arts & Crafts

  • Ceramics
  • Crocheting
  • Embroidery
  • Jewelry making
  • Origami
  • Painting
  • Scrapbooking
  • Quilting

Games

  • Chess
  • Crossword puzzles
  • Jigsaw puzzles

Music & Theatre

  • Acting
  • Guitar
  • Musical instrument
  • Singing in a choir

Outdoors

  • Beachcombing
  • Birdwatching
  • Gardening
  • Metal Detecting

Everyone needs something to make them feel fulfilled and hobbies have a way of invigorating the mind and body. Seniors that are stuck in a rut can gain a new outlook on life when they take up new hobbies.

Contact Care Options for Kids for Home Health Care Services

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Care Options for Kids. Call today at (888) 592-5855.