While some pursuits may be more challenging for older adults, there are still many fascinating hobbies for seniors with limited mobility. So don’t believe the stereotype that elderly people who have trouble getting around can’t enjoy life.
Those in their golden years are spoiled for choice and can easily find new, engaging hobbies that they enjoy.
Why not encourage the elderly to try some artistic pursuits like drawing or photography or enroll in a few online courses to broaden their horizons? They don’t need to go far to have a good time, lift their spirits, and keep themselves involved in the world.
We have collected a list of engaging and enjoyable pastimes that may spark the interest of seniors and inspire them to try something new. If you’re looking for a new hobby for an elderly person, read on.
1. Photography
Photography has never been more accessible, making it a great hobby choice for anyone of the older generation. It will provide them with a creative outlet or means of self-expression.
You can get them started right away by directing them to various internet guides or enrolling them in one-on-one or group online lessons. However, you can also provide books that will teach new information the old-fashioned way or they can simply brush up on what they already know.
Is it costly to start? The amount of equipment required for photography can be especially intimidating for beginners.
But if they are just starting their adventure with photography, they do not need to buy the expensive cameras that professionals use.
Although the image quality from a smartphone camera will not be the same as that from a professional DSLR, however, the results of phone cameras are surprisingly good.
But if a regular camera is more their style than a smartphone camera, they can always find a decent bargain on an older or secondhand digital camera.
Going further, seniors can share their work with the world via social media or their own website.
2. Pets
Seniors and pets are a perfect match! Pet ownership has been shown to improve mental health and quality of life in a number of ways.
Having a pet can be a great way for seniors to combat the social isolation that can result from their limited mobility, health problems, and lack of vitality.
Seniors who live alone may benefit greatly from having a companion animal, as it can help soothe feelings of loneliness and sadness.
A pet can also make its owner feel wanted and give their life purpose.
Many people, particularly the elderly, find great fulfillment in providing care for others. Having a pet after the kids have moved out is a wonderful way to make the house feel more like home.
In addition, petting an animal has been shown to lower stress levels.
The top companions for elderly people with limited mobility are as follows:
- Cat
- Fish
- Bird
- Hamsters
- Gerbils
- Ferrets
3. Gemstone Tumbling
It is so easy to become hooked on rock tumbling.
The process of polishing pebbles from rough to shiny is a lot of fun, making it an excellent hobby for creative types. The polished rocks can also be used in other projects, making the whole procedure even more enjoyable.
But what exactly is gemstone tumbling?
Simply put, rock tumbling is the practice of gathering and polishing a broad range of stones for aesthetic or practical purposes, such as jewelry or home decor.
You’ve probably discovered a perfectly smooth, shiny, and rounded stone near a stream or on a beach more than once.
Instead of waiting a thousand years for nature to turn a stone, seniors can do it in a matter of days in the comfort of their own homes.
Gemstone tumbling is a fairly simple hobby. Aside from a tumbler, they’ll need silicon carbide grit, rock polish, and a stock of rocks.
Numerous YouTube videos and extensive paid courses available online will teach seniors everything from how to choose their first stones to how to use a stone cup to polish their finished pieces.
This hobby, in addition to being a relaxing and enjoyable activity, has the additional benefit of improving motor skills due to a great deal of use of the hands and limbs.
4. Drawing
One of the benefits of reaching an older age is having more leisure time to focus on one’s own needs. Many of us desire to try our hands at an artistic pursuit, but we simply never make the time to do so.
Drawing is a good place to begin an artistic journey for your loved one or elderly friend. Because it is simple to start and includes various techniques, they will never grow tired of it.
Drawing is a relaxing hobby that also has therapeutic value. Drawing has been shown to stimulate the use of both hemispheres of the brain, which has been linked to positive effects on mood and the ability to share emotions.
Drawing can help seniors feel less anxious, depressed, or stressed. Research shows that those participating in the creative arts have lower levels of despair and loneliness and are generally more optimistic.
Drawing also improves motor abilities. The muscles in their fingers, hands, and arms will get a good workout while they’re painting or sketching.
Increases in blood flow, agility, or balance are just some of the long-term advantages.
Drawing is also an excellent method to express feelings and ideas. Also, because there is no such thing as good or bad art, they are not pressured to draw in a certain way; instead, everyone is free to express themselves as they see fit.
5. Houseplants
The popularity of houseplants continues to rise, and many owners devote considerable effort to keeping their green friends healthy.
Many people find it relaxing to spend free time chit-chatting with and otherwise engaging their houseplants.
Houseplants are an excellent way to bring some of nature indoors, and the pride they’ll experience in seeing them flourish will only add to their calming effect.
Maintaining a plant and watching it thrive is a satisfying hobby that some even use as a form of treatment because of the therapeutic benefits it can provide.
Even the act of watering a plant is considered to have a positive effect on mental health, giving those who care for it a sense of satisfaction and control over their surroundings.
6. Homemade Jewelry
Handmade jewelry is not only a way to save money but also a way to show off style and talent.
Think about how satisfying it could be for seniors to create something lovely with their own hands and then either use it themselves or give it as a present to someone they care about.
But one of the best things about this creative activity is that it helps a lot with relieving stress.
Making jewelry with their hands is an artistic activity that can also help seniors and elderly people feel better about themselves. It would also give them a sense of accomplishment when they finish their designed piece.
Creating something from scratch and working to improve it is a wonderful mental challenge.
Having an artistic interest can also force seniors out of their shells and introduce them to interesting people.
There are a lot of tips online about what to buy and how to start this fun activity.
But if they’re just starting, some cheap base-metal wire and glass or plastic crystals can be a great way to play around and see what they like.
Get them to experiment with the techniques and materials to see how they work. As they get better at the basics, they can focus on the style, which is the most fun part.
7. Gaming
Gaming has been around for a long time, but most people have thought of it as a fun activity, mostly for kids, teens, and young adults.
However, video games have evolved over time, and they are now an established part of society as a whole. Video games have a new demography of players: the elderly.
Not only does playing video games provide seniors with a fun new way to pass the time and bond with younger members of their family, but it may also have positive health effects.
Seniors are especially vulnerable to the negative health effects of isolation. High blood pressure, an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and stress have all been linked to feelings of loneliness or isolation in the elderly.
The health and happiness of seniors can be promoted through social interaction, the exploration of new interests, and an optimistic outlook. Playing games, fortunately, is the answer to achieving all three of these targets.
Video games provide a great source of daily entertainment for people with mobility issues, and the Internet makes it possible for them to interact with and compete against players worldwide.
Older adults’ favorite video games include:
- Words with Friends
- Solitaire
- Minecraft
- World of Warcraft
- Wii Sports
- The Sims
Final Thoughts
There is no reason why the life of an elderly person should be monotonous simply because they are unable to move around as easily as they once did.
With more time on their hands, seniors may dedicate themselves to activities that will not only entertain them but also challenge them and broaden their horizons.
Resources
- https://www.insider.com/guides/hobbies-crafts/photography-for-beginners
- https://rapidfireart.com/how-to-draw-for-beginners/
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-30739-001
- https://ucalgary.ca/news/brain-research-shows-arts-promote-mental-health
- https://www.terrabellaseniorliving.com/senior-living-blog/the-benefits-of-drawing-for-seniors/
- https://www.marthastewart.com/7847881/how-make-your-own-jewelry
- https://www.abcrafty.com/rock-tumbling-guide/
- https://rockseeker.com/best-lapidary-equipment-for-beginners/
- https://www.gemsociety.org/article/introduction-lapidary-arts/
- https://community.thriveglobal.com/houseplants-as-a-healthy-hobby/
- https://houseplantscorner.com/plant-facts/houseplants-hobby/?utm_content=cmp-true
- https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/best-pets-for-seniors/
- https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/19/stroking-a-cat-or-a-dog-for-just-10-minutes-can-reduce-stress-study-finds-10425875/
- https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts
- https://headstuff.org/entertainment/gaming/rise-senior-citizen-gamer/
- https://www.seniorsguide.com/technology/the-best-video-games-for-seniors/
- https://livingmaples.com/mag/10-best-video-games-for-seniors-lets-play-now/
