5 Hobbies for Seniors to Do at Home
We’re all thinking of good ways to use this time sequestered at home as a golden opportunity to expand our horizons and maybe learn something new. Hopefully you currently engage in hobbies you can do at home, but if staying close to home has cut you off from some of your hobbies, there’s still good news. Thanks to the World Wide Web, there are a vast range of sources that highlight hobbies for seniors to do at home. From learning a musical instrument to finding your inner artistry through painting or coloring to delving into your family history, you can continue to find new purpose in each new day with these indoor hobbies for seniors.
Virtual Book Club
Social distancing doesn’t mean you have to be socially isolated. With a multitude of video chat apps that are easy to use for older adults, you can be together with your friends and family while being apart. One of the most enjoyable and fulfilling group activities to do over video chat is a virtual book club. Sharing your thoughts on that book you can’t put down is a great way to help promote your social wellness , and talking with others who share your interest in reading is a good boost for your mental health and a wise way to reduce stress.
Genealogy
Exploring your family’s history, learning about your ancestors’ journeys, and discovering your roots is a hobby many people find incredibly rewarding. Thanks to online companies like Ancestry.com, exploring your genealogy can be done from the comfort of your home. While it’s a great use of your personal time at home, the best part is sharing what you’ve uncovered with other family members. Some people have even found long-lost family members in other parts of the world they never knew about.
Musical Hobbies
Learning a musical instrument is among the best things you can do to engage your brain and promote your mental health at any age. Playing music is not only one of the best hobbies for seniors to do at home; it’s also scientifically proven that performing, writing and even listening to music promotes cognitive longevity. If you’re new to playing music, there are plenty of classes and tutorials you can find online. Often the key is finding the right instrument for you. And even though you’ll learn at home, you can still get the social enjoyment of playing music with others via video chat. In fact, if you have a friend or loved one who plays an instrument, it’s easy to learn from them while maintaining social distancing. Many music instructors even conduct virtual lessons. Regardless of where you are, music is always a phenomenal way to bring joy to your life.
Engaging in the Arts
Engaging in the arts is one of the most common hobbies you can do at home. Drawing and painting are staples of art hobbyists, but there is so much more to explore now that you have time at home. Websites such as SkillShare.com are a fantastic resource for learning new art forms directly from experienced instructors who will guide you through the entire process. Graphic design, animation, sculpting, watercolor painting and creative writing are just a few of the things you can learn with just a little time, patience and practice. For those looking for a less intensive art hobby that is still engaging, adult coloring books are fun, easy, inexpensive, and a hugely popular stress-reliever.
At-Home Exercise
It’s important to take care of your physical health while sheltering in place. And while gyms and fitness centers may not be open right now, this is a great time to try out a new physical activity from home. Yoga is the perfect example that everyone can do at home with just a few simple pieces of equipment. All you really need is a yoga mat and an instructor to follow. Fortunately, there are a multitude of online fitness classes, yoga included, available for older adults. The National Institute on Aging features a comprehensive guide to physical fitness for seniors — perfect for both beginners and experienced exercise enthusiasts. With the incredible variety of online resources available, you’ll find ample opportunity to stay fit while staying indoors.
All of us at Edgemere hope you’re staying healthy and making the most of this time at home. At Edgemere, we know that a well-rounded life is the key to overall wellness. We also know that the only way to find your interests is to explore a wide range of hobbies and activities. In every level of our full continuum of care, we make it possible to continue enjoying the hobbies you’ve long loved and gain the benefits of hobbies by giving you time, freedom, and opportunities each and every day. Until we can all gather again and enjoy being together, we hope you’re encouraged to discover new interests from the safety and comfort of your home.