Healthy Aging Tips For Seniors

by Jim Vogel of Elder Action

How Having a Hobby Can Cultivate Mental Wellbeing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

As we age, we sometimes forget the things that once sparked joy in our lives. Having a hobby is so important, not only because it makes your life more enjoyable, but it also impacts your mental agility. The best way to find a new hobby is to simply try something new. Thankfully, there are endless opportunities that will keep you occupied while enriching your life. If you or someone you know is a senior who could use a bit of help in this arena, here are some easy tips that will help you stay focused and live with more passion.

 Make Time

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person spends at least 44 minutes engaged in a leisure activity. Regardless of how you use your time, it’s important to use it wisely. Consider letting go of what isn’t serving you, such as endless chores, clutter, and other types of activities that don’t spark your interest. Increase the amount of quality time that can be better spent with those you love or harness, while harnessing a skill rather than being tethered to technology all day.

Constantly being glued to your devices can lead to depression and sadness and may also trigger disengagement, according to Forbes. Lighten your load, learn to just say no to some obligations and ignore unnecessary tasks so that you make room for more pleasurable experiences that will better serve you. Cleaning and other non-essentials can wait.

A Happy Medium

Hobbies are found to be beneficial in relieving stress, challenging yourself, building a community and offering a new perspective, while keeping you present. Since seniors are more prone to isolation, hobbies are a great way to slow down and enjoy things that you really love to do. Whether it’s gardening, painting, listening to music or woodworking, finding a fun task stimulates the brain, which releases endorphins that can pique your curiosity.

Harnessing a hobby also gives seniors who are participating in addiction recovery from drugs and alcohol, relief from the everyday stressors of life and heightens self-esteem. Additionally, hobbies can also be meditative, especially if it’s an activity that is quiet and repetitive, like crocheting and puzzles.

Trying something new opens up your mind and sets you up for meeting individuals with the same interests, leading more insight into ourselves making a statement through a beautiful work of art.

Find Inspiration In Unlikely Places 

There is a misconception that elderly people are stuck in their ways, but this couldn’t be further from the truth, as many elderly people, at least by today’s standards are charting out their own lives and cultivating hobbies that are meaningful to them.  One rule of finding your passion is to simply get out there and look at what’s going on in the world. Sometimes you’ll find inspiration in unlikely places that will set the tone for what you’ve been looking for all along. Finding inspiration will also help you to think outside the box, which will boost creativity.

Journaling, exercising outdoors, meditation and making time to dream are all great ways to stimulate your mental wellbeing. Even if you aren’t sure what hobby suits you, looking to your past can prove to be a major benefit, allowing discernment into your true nature. Perhaps there’s something you enjoyed as a child that is sitting dormant within you. Finding a hobby is like finding a best friend. It’s something that we all should participate in, regardless of age. Not all hobbies are the same, but by taking the time to figure out what lights you up, you’ll change your life for the better.

Handy Links

6 Powerful Ways To Help Seniors Avoid Isolation

It can be difficult for seniors to maintain their social lives as they age, especially if they live alone. This is a great resource for supporting them to stay active socially.

Ed. Social isolation and loneliness is a killer. Many older people feel the sudden loss of work colleagues and a role in life and become withdrawn if they can’t find a new way to be valued in retirement. On the other hand, a sense of purpose – or ikigai as the Japanese call it – can not only improve well being but may even prolong good quality life. My recommendation as a senior myself? Find a way to engage with younger generations rather than sitting in an elderly silo. Encourage local schools, businesses, community groups, to make use of what you can offer. Get involved!

 

Home Modifications Increase Senior Safety

This is a given – it’s important for our elders to make sure their homes are a safe environment.

Ed. There are going to be differences of provision in different countries, and key differences in the funding available to help with modifications. Might be an idea to familiarise yourself with these before you need them.

 

16 Chair Exercises for Seniors & How to Get Started

This is great – it’s got exercises for people of all abilities, and even includes helpful videos.

Ed. Loving these! I’m not there yet, in fact I took up running at the age of 67 after realising how much time I was spending sitting on my bottom writing and an almost immediate result (maintained since) included a reduced resting heart rate – down from 70+ to 55-60. Yes, I have a FitBit!

 

9 Essential Mobile Device Apps for Senior Citizens

This explains the kinds of apps seniors should have on their mobile devices rather than listing specific apps which may or may not stick around.

Ed. Not exactly a mobile app although the app does sit on phones – I’m a fan of the Alexa  powered devices (some personal tips here) which can read Audible books, set timers, alarms and multiple reminders, give me news updates, play any station in the world (as long as I can pronounce it!), and on some (the Show) give me visuals too. All without touching a thing. Change the station or ask the time or the weather or set an oven or exercise timer while you’re up to your armpits in something messy? No problem – just yell at Alexa and she’ll have it covered. It’s not available in all countries yet, and nor is Google Home, the newer kid on the block, but it’s coming for sure.  Admittedly it can be a little bit obtuse at times and rather more cat than gizmo! 

 

Building The Ultimate Reading Nook For Your Home: A Guide For Bookworms

Jim: My mother loves to read and hosts a monthly book club – she actually referred me to this great resource. Actually, it’s been a great way for her and my dad to avoid feelings of isolation!

Ed. I took an MA in Creative Writing so now I’m trying to put out the material that might end up in someone’s reading nook. Hope springs eternal …!