5 Hobbies To Try In 2024
The new year is a great time to start a hobby, but deciding on a new hobby can be challenging, especially when there’s so much to try. If you’re looking for a new activity to bring into your routine, consider our top five hobbies for seniors to try in 2024.
The Benefits Of Hobbies For Seniors
Hobbies provide benefits no matter your age. And you’re never too old to start a new hobby, so why not try something new this year?
- Keep your mind and body active: Hobbies can improve physical and mental well-being. Activities with physical components, like golf or yoga, are a fun way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Other activities, like taking an art class, can help stimulate your mind.
- Promote community: One of the exciting parts of having a hobby is connecting with others who also enjoy your hobby. Many hobbies have virtual and in-person meet-ups where you can meet others who share your interests.
- Help you grow: Starting a new hobby can help you leave your comfort zone and try something new. Hobbies are also about learning new things and expanding your mind.
Hobbies Great For Seniors
What hobby should you try this year? Consider one of these choices!
1. Sports
Physical activity is essential for people of all ages, but it’s critical as you age. As you age, your body undergoes many changes. Exercise helps slow these physical changes by improving strength, mobility, and flexibility. If you want to get more physical fitness into your routine but traditional workouts aren’t your style, consider a new sport, such as golf, cardio boxing, or yoga.
- Golf- People love golf because it’s a low-impact and low-intensity activity. It’s an excellent activity for moving your body without putting too much stress on your joints.
- Cardio boxing- If you want a higher-intensity workout, consider cardio boxing or kickboxing. It may sound intimidating, but boxing is low-impact and adaptable to your experience and fitness levels. Cardio boxing incorporates all the techniques of boxing without hitting other people. Most cardio boxing classes use a heavy bag and are self-paced so that you can control the speed and power of your workout.
- Yoga- Yoga is the perfect hobby to build strength, improve flexibility, and increase mobility. Most yoga sessions are low-impact and allow you to ease into the workout. There are many great yoga studios to check out in Foley, or you can try a virtual yoga class online.
2. Reading
There’s nothing quite as relaxing yet exhilarating as getting lost in a book. Reading is an excellent alternative to watching television, especially if you enjoy a good story. Reading transports your mind, helps stimulate your brain, and sharpens your cognitive skills. Need help finding a good book or a book club in your area? Visit the Foley Public Library!
3. Gardening
Many people enjoy gardening because it encourages them to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. It’s also a fun way to grow food and spices. There’s a creative aspect to gardening that comes with finding the right flowers and plants to create an aesthetic garden and accentuate the beauty of your home.
Check out the Gulf Shores Garden Club if you enjoy gardening and want a social component to your new hobby. They have monthly meetings and events to meet other garden enthusiasts. Or, if you cannot meet in person, you can connect with other local gardens on the group’s Facebook page.
4. Music
If you can’t help tapping your foot to the beat or singing along to your favorite song, consider learning a musical instrument this year. There are many to consider, like piano, guitar, bass, or trumpet. Music is a fun way to stimulate your mind and build your confidence. Use the Music Teachers Directory to find a music teacher near you to begin music lessons.
5. Crafts
Whether it’s sewing, knitting, painting, pottery, or sculpting, crafts are a fantastic hobby. They get your creative juices flowing and, depending on the craft, can help improve mobility in the hands and relieve stress. Many online resources teach the art of different crafts. You can also try in-person art classes at the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance.
Helping Seniors Find And Enjoy Hobbies At Visiting Angels
Sometimes, it takes an extra push from a loved one or companion to try something new, which is precisely what Visiting Angels caregivers give their clients. Our compassionate caregivers love helping clients step outside their comfort zones to discover new passions and hobbies. They help clients search online for nearby clubs or studios. They provide transportation to stores and meetings. They even join in on the fun, so clients always have a companion to share their newfound interests with.
Companionship is an essential aspect of caregiving, but it’s not the only thing we provide. We have a wide selection of at-home care services, helping clients with everything from light housekeeping and cooking to personal grooming and mobility.
Caregivers working with our Visiting Angels office in Foley assist clients throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. You can learn more about our at-home caregiving services by contacting us with any questions.