Hobbies Add Great Value to Senior’s Quality of Life

The U.S. population is aging fast with the number of individuals over the age of 65 in the country expected to double by 2040.  Growing old is a tremendous blessing and it is important that seniors do whatever is possible to ensure that they enjoy good mental and physical health. While eating healthy and consciously remaining active are necessary to maintain a good quality of life, finding a hobby that is enjoyable can boost both physical and mental well-being.  From being healthier and enjoying a sense of accomplishment to boosting mental well-being, here are just a few of the many ways a senior can benefit from finding a new hobby.

Activity can Improve Health

Hobbies that include physical activity can boost both mental and physical health. This is especially beneficial to seniors who lead a mostly sedentary life. Hobbies such as hiking, swimming, and yoga can decrease the risk of many age-related mental health concerns including depression and dementia. Taking up ballet at an older age can also be both enjoyable and beneficial.  It can help prevent disease, improve cognitive function, and help prevent falls which is great news considering that trips and falls are responsible for the most visits to the ER by seniors annually. The best thing about engaging in an active hobby is the fact that it helps improve overall fitness levels without feeling like intentional exercise.

Enjoy a Sense of Accomplishment

It is not unusual for a senior’s self-esteem to diminish after retirement as they suddenly become less productive. Taking up a new hobby may involve facing several challenges which can do wonders for a senior’s mindset.  While this may be somewhat daunting at times, the sense of achievement when finishing a project is second to none.  Helping a team win a trophy or completing a sewing or woodwork project can give a senior’s mental health a huge boost and even help prevent anxiety and depression from setting in. It does not matter whether a hobby poses a physical or mental challenge either as endorphins are released either way.

It Boosts your Mental Well-Being

It is estimated that nearly 20% of people over the age of 55% experience at least one mental health concern. In addition to anxiety, stress, and depression, the natural decline in brain power also sets in at about this age.  Spending time on an enjoyable hobby can have a massive impact on the mental health of an older individual. It may help prevent mental illness and can also keep the mind active and thinking sharp. Although any hobby can take the mind off day-to-day stressors, there are some that are better at keeping the brain engaged. This includes playing chess, joining a book club, and playing trivia games. Hobbies that require a senior to spend time in nature are particularly beneficial as research has found that spending just ten minutes outdoors can result in a better mood and improved focus.               

Hobbies can have a big impact on the quality of life of seniors. As long as you find something you enjoy, your mental and physical health are bound to improve.