As seniors age, it’s important for them to stay connected with their friends. One of the best ways to stay social is engaging in fun hobbies. A few decades ago, seniors were expected to play bingo and knit scarves, but today the hobby options are limitless. Here are a few great hobbies seniors can enjoy with their friends.
1. Water Aerobics Classes
For seniors, exercise classes provide a weekly opportunity to see their friends. Aging adults can sign up for water aerobics classes at their local gyms and invite their friends to join them. Aerobic classes have several health benefits for aging adults, ranging from reducing osteoarthritis pain to promoting postmenopausal bone health. After class, seniors can meet their friends in the locker room, sauna, or hot tub.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
2. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great hobby for seniors, as it combines crafting with a chance to discuss cherished memories. Seniors can invite their friends over for scrapbooking parties, where their friends bring their favorite photos and they provide the crafting supplies. A scrapbooking party is a fun way to socialize, and it results in beautiful keepsakes.
3. Bird-Watching
Seniors who love outdoor activities should consider taking up bird-watching, which offers a chance to hike, and it’s the perfect activity to do with a friend. If one senior doesn’t spot a particularly elusive bird, his or her companion might. To go out into the wild and start exploring, your loved one needs a field guide, a few maps, and a pair of binoculars.
4. Book Clubs
Reading is a lifelong hobby for many seniors, but it’s typically a solitary activity. Seniors who love literature should consider joining or creating book clubs with their friends. If they all enjoy a particular genre, they could form a book club based on their favorite niche. If your loved one is open to exploring all types of books, he or she can join a local book club. Book clubs are a great opportunity to read the latest books, share opinions, and learn more about longtime friends.
Some seniors may require assistance when attending book club meetings or other social gatherings. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Victoria respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
5. Dancing Classes
Seniors can invite their friends to take dancing classes together. Partner dancing like ballroom or swing can be a fun activity, whereas other dance classes like tap and ballet are also a great way to make new friends. Dancing has cardiovascular health benefits, ranging from weight loss to lower blood pressure, and it can also boost mental acuity. Remembering dance steps and patterns can be an effective way to exercise the brain.
6. Golfing
Whether your loved one is new to golf or a lifelong pro, the sport can be a fun way to spend time outside and get some exercise. Seniors looking for new golf buddies shouldn’t be afraid to invite friends who’ve never swung a club before, as it can be a wonderful teaching opportunity.
Physical activity reduces the risks of many chronic health conditions. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Victoria Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (250) 592-4881.