Moving to senior living can be an excellent decision. It’s a way for older adults to enjoy living in a community tailored to meet their needs in an environment that truly feels like home. But with retirement comes a great deal of free time, and older adults in senior living have even more freedom to pursue any hobbies that pique their interest. That’s why our team at La Vida Llena has narrowed down some options so older adults can enjoy their days with their new interests.

10 hobbies for seniors include:

• Arts and crafts

• Board games

• Gardening

• Reading and writing

• Exercise and fitness

• Cooking

• Video games

• Music

• Volunteering

• Whatever you’d like!

Arts & Crafts

Arts and crafts are among the simplest and most rewarding pleasures in life. They provide a creative outlet where people can express themselves in unique ways. The process can be meditative and therapeutic, bringing many benefits and physical results.

There are plenty of options, including:

• Painting
• Sketching
• Woodworking
• Knitting
• Pottery

These activities can be an excellent way to relax, all while bringing about a sense of accomplishment.

Board Games

Board games are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason; in the past decade or so, plenty of new ideas have been brought to market. There are endless options, from Monopoly to Clue, chess to Scrabble, and everything in between.

These can be a wonderful way to engage with others and bring out some friendly competition. By playing board games with the people nearby, older adults can:

• Enjoy the benefits of socialization
• Spend time with the people they love
• Challenge and boost cognitive abilities

So why not grab a few new games and enjoy a fun game night?

Gardening

Sometimes, spending time outside can be an incredible way to enjoy a day. While hiking through the stunning local trails of Albuquerque is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors, if you’re looking for something a bit more slower paced, why not try gardening? 

Gardening isn’t just a way to enjoy the beauty of nature. Instead, it offers a range of benefits including:

• Improving physical health by engaging in low-impact exercise and enhancing fine motor skills.
• Reducing stress through the calming effect of being in nature and nurturing plants.
• Enhancing mental clarity and cognitive health due to the focus and care required.
• Providing a sense of achievement as you watch your plants grow and flourish.

Gardening can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Whether cultivating a small herb garden on the windowsill or managing a full vegetable patch, tending to plants can bring immense joy and satisfaction.

Reading & Writing

If you’ve always loved reading, now’s the time to enjoy it! Whether you have a list of books on the go or a pile in the corner you’ve been waiting to try, reading can be an excellent way to disappear into a new world.

If you’re looking for a little more out of your hobbies, you can always join a book club. See if anybody in the community is interested in the same books as you. You can enjoy chatting for hours about your favorite characters or engage in a spirited debate about the story’s meaning.

And if you’re not a fan of reading and prefer to tell your own stories, why not try writing? Journalling, short stories, poetry, a novel—you can’t go wrong. It can be a wonderfully therapeutic exercise that can give you a sense of satisfaction watching your words come to life on the page.

Exercise & Fitness

Physical activity is key to a long and healthy life. And don’t worry—you don’t need to head to the gym and start lifting weights. There are plenty of low-impact exercises you can participate in to improve your overall health, like:

• Gentle yoga
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Tai chi
• Walking and small hikes

There’s always a way to work on your physical health, and the benefits can’t be overstated. And you don’t need much more than a simple pair of shoes.

Cooking

Cooking can be a pinnacle of self-care. It’s a way to enjoy new cultures, flavors, combinations, and more—all without leaving your own kitchen.

When cooking, you can try new recipes, perfect a family secret, and share a culinary tradition with the people you love. Meanwhile, you can share what you make with the people around you. So invite a few friends and family members over and show off your new skills in the kitchen—everybody’s taste buds will thank you.

Video Games

Video games are often considered a way for children to stay entertained. But this isn’t the case anymore; video games have come a long way since Pac-Man.

Now, you can access a world of entertainment using nothing more than a cell phone or console. There are plenty of options, no matter your interests. The options are endless if you enjoy puzzles, word games, Sudoku, and even virtual board games.

They offer a stimulating challenge that can improve your hand-eye coordination, mental faculties, and cognitive abilities. You can enjoy them alone or with others, making them a versatile and beneficial way to spend an afternoon.

Music

Music is one of the greatest things in the world. It engages the mind, spirit, and emotional core of almost every human being, giving us a way to express ourselves and communicate in ways words cannot.

Just dancing to your favorite songs is a wonderful way to exercise, and playing an instrument can offer significant cognitive benefits. You can try to:

• Learn a new instrument
• Join a choir
• Sing to yourself while going about your day

It’s a timeless hobby you can share with others or keep to yourself as your own form of self-care. There’s no way to do it wrong, so let your spirit sing!

Volunteering

Many people find that retirement offers a perfect way to give back to the community. Seniors have a lifetime of experience and knowledge; sharing this with the next generation can be a great way to improve the world.

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it grants a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that you’ve done your part. And now, you can do it without leaving your home—you can volunteer or mentor through online programs like the Seniors With Skills website.

Whatever You’d Like

Ultimately, the most satisfying way to retire is to spend your time as you please. If nothing on the list suits you, don’t worry. Your time is your own, so spend it as you’d like.

At La Vida Llena, we know that every resident is unique, and we take pride in supporting their interests. That’s why we offer a wide range of programs and services to help every person here enjoy their passions. Book a tour with us today and take the first step towards a vibrant, rewarding, and supported lifestyle!