Four Fun New Hobbies for Seniors to Try This Winter
As we welcome the new year, Americans across the nation are looking forward to new beginnings. Many will resolve to lose weight, save money, or break a bad habit. Research shows that only eight percent of people who make a resolution actually achieve their goal no matter the good intentions. What if this year, instead of setting a goal that’s limiting, you resolve to try making something new?
January is National Hobby Month. It’s the perfect time of year for seniors to explore new hobbies that will keep them engaged well into the spring season. Studies show that seniors who engage in hobbies have a lower risk of dementia, report higher satisfaction in life, and lower their risk for death. If you’re a senior who is willing to try something new, here are four fun new hobbies to consider.
Hand Lettering
Hand lettering has emerged as one of the most popular hobbies right now. Just take a stroll through a local craft store, and you’ll see whimsical phrases written in feathery fonts everywhere you look. Consider picking up this creative hobby that promotes relaxation and enhances your fine motor skills. You can use virtually any writing utensil and paper or canvas that you prefer. Select a phrase, verse, or quote you’d like to turn into a piece of art. Then, write it out. Follow this helpful guide that shares tips and tricks in great detail.
Bullet Journaling
Another great hobby to pick up this winter is bullet journaling. Bullet journaling is a simple way to organize your day and jot down thoughts that occur throughout the day. Unlike a traditional calendar planner, bullet journaling is customized strictly to you, as it’s all about your ideas, to-do list, and schedule. Spend a few minutes in the morning to jot down what’s on your mind —errands you need to run, items you need to add to your grocery list, tasks you wish to complete. Then, as you go about your day, refer to your journal and add other tasks or events that pop up. It may sound intimidating, but this guide will help you get started.
Baking Bread
Warm-up with a hobby that’s sure to fill your home with a fantastic aroma and instantly boost your mood. Bread baking became extremely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a top hobby moving into 2021. It’s a great hobby for seniors because it can be challenging or straightforward, depending on the type of bread you want to bake. It also is a stress reliever and boredom buster. Many seniors grew up with the aroma of homemade bread wafting from their kitchens; the familiar scents can help bring back sentimental memories. If you’re new to bread baking, try a simple recipe that doesn’t require kneading, such as an Irish Soda Bread. If you’re familiar with this hobby, refine your skills or give one of these advanced bread recipes a try.
Reading Challenge
Finally, something is soothing about cozying up on the sofa with a blanket, hot drink, and a great book. Reading is an excellent hobby for seniors because it gives them a sense of adventure without leaving their own home. It also encourages them to turn off their television and engage their brain as they follow the unfolding plot. This year, choose a reading challenge to expand your reading horizon. There’s a reading challenge for just about anyone, whether you’re an avid reader or it’s been some time since you cracked open a book. Pick your favorite and see how far you get this year.
As you resolve to try something new this year, perhaps it’s time you try Visiting Angles Richmond. We offer a variety of home care services for older adults, perfect for this winter season. Our compassionate caregivers can keep you company and help you start with a new hobby while laundry is running or dinner is baking in the oven. We are also here to support families with aging loved ones, giving them peace of mind that their loved one is in great hands. Please contact us today by calling 804-353-0000 and start the year off right by receiving the help you need.