We all agree that having a healthy and active lifestyle is necessary to prolong life. This idea applies the most to the older generation. Keeping the mind and body busy is a significant factor for seniors as we age.
Getting a nutritious diet and exercise are enough to live longer, as most people think. In reality, old age is more than that, and you do not stop when you retire.
To optimize an older person’s function in life, one needs mental and social stimuli. These two factors are as critical as physical activity when aging.
Get a Hobby
A hobby is an activity a person can do during their leisure time. Getting a hobby relieves depression and stress. Also, it boosts self-esteem, confidence, and reduces the risks of developing dementia. Finding a hobby you love can teach you skills, help you bond with others, and discover yourself.
Why are Hobbies so Important for Senior Women?
As they say, all women need hobbies. The mind of a woman thinks about 50 things at once, which makes them great multi-taskers.
A hobby can be a meditative thing. It gets you in the zone by being present and being mindful of what you do.
Hobbies will also give activities for you to perform when career or child-raising is over. As a retired woman, you can sneak a little fun on your mundane activities and meet new friends along the way.
Women Are More Prone to Alzheimer’s and Depression than Men
According to a new study, older women have a higher risk of depression compared to men. Since women live longer than their counterparts, this condition can be a burden.
It affects not only themselves but also their families and caretakers. The reason women show more depressive symptoms than men is still unclear.
Aside from depression, Alzheimer’s occurs more in elderly ladies. Almost two-thirds of people living with this condition in the United States are women.
Benefits of Getting a Hobby
As mentioned, hobbies help fight depression and stimulate the mind. Aside from this, it is a top-tier stress buster that provides a distraction. The chosen activity that we love doing get our brains working. It can also serve as a safe outlet to release energy in healthy ways.
A hobby can fight mental fatigue and boredom. It takes good care of our mental health. A hobby offers a wide range of advantages for a woman in retirement.
Hobbies You Can Do at Home
When getting a hobby, try choosing an activity that works for you. Opt for the effortless kinds, especially when you have a medical condition. When in doubt, you can ask for your doctor’s opinion, especially if the hobby is strenuous.
The great thing is, there are hobbies available that you can do at home. Here are some ideas to use your spare time:
1. Get a Pet
Pets provide us comfort. When petting them, our system triggers a chemical reaction that makes us feel good. This stress-reducing hormone helps lower cholesterol, fight depression, and reduce stress levels.
Also, pet owners live longer than people who do not own a furry friend. These are all great reasons for a senior lady to get a pet.
2. Learn Art and Crafts
Doing art and crafts can be cathartic. It is one of the best activities a retired woman can practice.
You can try painting, sculpting, knitting, sewing, or scrapbooking during your free time. The great thing about making art is you can either do it alone or with family and friends.
Art therapy has become popular since it stimulates the brain. It gives your mind a stretch to keep those blues and dementia away.
3. Gardening
Gardening is therapeutic for older people. It encourages physical activity, endurance, and strength.
It can also provide stimulation by staying outdoors and being with nature. Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies for senior women. It allows them to work while exposing themselves to people at the same time.
4. Playing Cards or Board Games
Playing games is one of the best ways to keep a retired woman’s mind sharp. Games can also be a great way to bond with your family and friends.
You can try playing Scrabble, Bridge, and Chess with your group. If playing alone, you can try Solitaire, Crosswords, or Sudoku to give your brain an exercise.
Playing mentally stimulating games makes the brain bigger and sharp. This advantage can help to prevent Alzheimer’s and other age-related conditions.
5. Practice Yoga
Yoga provides a lot of benefits for an older lady. It maintains your strength and flexibility while reducing hypertension.
This activity can also help to strengthen your bones and build your balance. It benefits your brain because it lets you meditate.
You can learn yoga by watching an online video tutorial or with the help of an expert. You can do this activity anywhere, especially in the comfort of your living room.
Remember to be mindful of the poses that you will try to conquer. Try aiming for a session plan that fits your physique and your health to reduce mishaps.
Hobbies You Can Do Outdoors
An outdoor hobby lets you meet new people. Besides, you can find kindred spirits that have the same passion as you. Here are some ideas that you can consider when getting an outdoor hobby:
1. Volunteer
Retirement is a great time to give back to the world. If you think you are having a bunch of extra time, you can always put it in good deeds.
Try to contact your local church or charities to find opportunities to use your skills. It feels great to help someone. Volunteering can be therapeutic, and it makes you feel needed.
2. Walking
Walking is an effective and cheap activity for senior ladies. It does not need a membership or a class to walk.
It is simple and easy to perform, and yet, proven to be beneficial. You can do this activity anywhere outside your home. You can walk in parks, malls, and even in senior living communities.
Walking is a great way to keep older women in shape. Besides, it helps them socialize and be independent.
3. Dancing
Dancing is a fun activity. It can help you socialize and exercise.
Ballroom dancing is a popular option for senior ladies. Since this genre exudes elegance, it is easier to perform.
Dancing can challenge the brain by doing the steps from memory. It is beneficial for women who want to have a sharper brain function.
It is advisable to dance under the supervision of a teacher to reduce risks for falls and fractures. Besides, enrolling in a dance class offers stage performances that are worth remembering.
4. Swimming
Swimming is perfect for women who suffer from osteoarthritis. It can be a simple form of exercise for people who suffer from joint pain.
Swimming can also improve heart health and flexibility. Also, joint pain needs mobility. Therefore, moving those joints can reduce swelling.
It is a fun activity you can share with your loved ones. It also gives the chance to interact with other people and socialize.
How to Find a Fulfilling Hobby
Aside from examining your budget, there are still other things that you need to consider. How can you make sure that your potential hobby is worth your time and will make you fulfilled?
- Think of something that you have loved doing as a kid. During our childhood, we were free. The same goes for our passion and dreams.
- The things you enjoyed as a kid might still be enjoyable in adulthood. Go back to your roots and remember the things that make time flies. It is a great place to start.
- Try them out for size. If it is confusing where to begin, list a few options and see how things will turn out.
- If you want to take classes, opt for a few trials at first. This plan will give you a starting point and know what feels right.
- Do something that makes you forget about time. If you are doing something that occupies your mind, it makes you forget about your stress and worries. Besides, concentrating on what you do provides time for yourself.
- Notice what you want to change about yourself. Do you want to get fit, or do you want to improve your social skills? Are there areas in your life that need improvement?
- Aim for an activity that will change you for the better. A hobby that gives you a new sense of purpose will get you always on the move.
- Go for the hobby that draws you in the most. If it is a hobby that you cannot stop thinking about, then go for it.
Conclusion
If it is something that gets you excited, you are on the right track. A hobby should be fun and not a struggle.
As we age, our needs change. Sometimes, our personalities do, too. Yet, the things we loved and passionate about usually stay the same.
The retirement age is the perfect time to do the things we have always wanted to do. Retirement is freedom. Do not let it stop you from living.
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