The Importance of Hobbies for Seniors and Local Resources to Get Involved
January is National Hobby Month. It’s the perfect time of year for seniors to explore new hobbies or reengage with familiar ones that will keep them busy well into the spring season. Yet, hobbies aren’t just a fun way to help seniors pass time. They offer many surprising health benefits for older adults. Here are three brief reasons why hobbies are important and local resources to help seniors engage in leisure pursuits.
Hobbies Increase Life Satisfaction
Seniors who regularly participate in leisure pursuits report greater positive affect and life satisfaction, according to a study. Hobbies boost self-esteem and confidence, which leads to greater happiness. Engaging in a hobby is one way that seniors who live alone can overcome feelings of loneliness.
Hobbies Reduce the Risk of Dementia
Studies have found that seniors who engage in hobbies for one or more hours every day may protect themselves against dementia in late life. Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that middle-aged adults and young-old adults who engage in art or craft-related activities lower their risk for mild cognitive impairment in late life.
Hobbies Boost Brain Power
Participating in leisure pursuits helps seniors keep their minds engaged. Certain hobbies, such as working on word puzzles, reading, or playing strategic games, help sharpen problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Short-term memory and attention span are also challenged when seniors engage in hobbies.
Local Hobby Resources
The Marq Southlake offers several senior programs, including group fitness classes, Bridge games, and art classes. They also provide at-home activities seniors can explore for free online.
There are several options for seniors who want to explore their inner artists. Pinspiration provides the tools, materials, and space for customers to create a DIY project, without the headache. Michaels offers free virtual classes, in-store classes, and in-store events so that seniors can explore. Sign up for a watercolor or oil painting class at ARThouse in Southlake.
Active seniors can join one of the most popular games across the U.S. right now, pickleball. The Marq Champions Club offers open-play pickleball for all abilities. More pickleball courts are coming soon to the Bicentennial Park in Southlake.
Senior women interested in other special interest groups can check out the Southlake Newcomers Club. The Newcomers Club welcomes all women, regardless of how long they lived in the area. Book clubs are another great place for seniors to connect and stay engaged in a hobby. Check the Southlake Public Library calendar for more information about upcoming book clubs and how to register.
Visiting Angels Southlake is another amazing resource for seniors who need some assistance participating in a favorite hobby. We provide a comprehensive approach to senior home care that includes companionship. Our compassionate caregivers can keep you company while helping you engage in your favorite leisure pursuits. They can also provide transportation and escort you to a program or event that interests you. We like to think outside the box and provide seniors with the care that suits them, rather than a pre-packaged list of services. Your care plan will be fully customized and can be adjusted as the needs change over time. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 817-684-1996.