Hobbies for Assisted Living

Seeking out activities that enrich each day can make those in assisted living lead a meaningful life. Exploring new hobbies can spark new interests, help those in assisted living develop new social connections, and lead to better mental, emotional, and physical health. Take a glance at some new hobbies to explore below:

Tend to a Garden

Gardening at any age is healthy and therapeutic, and there is a real sense of accomplishment that comes with nurturing a garden full of vegetables, flowers, or herbs. Gardening can also encourage relaxation, positivity, and motor skills.

Play Games

Brain games like crossword puzzles, brain teasers, and Sudoku are stimulating and encourages the brain to focus and forge connections. Participate in other stimulating hobbies like book clubs, journaling, writing workshops, and discussion groups.

Make Homemade Goods

To exercise muscle mobility, take up sewing, needlepoint, knitting, or crocheting. Create items for friends and family. Donate homemade goods to hospitals, animal shelters, or churches, or sell them on Etsy or at local flea markets, and craft shows.

Participate in Arts and Crafts

Art is all about self-expression. Help the senior in your life rediscover their creative interests or discover new ones like painting, scrapbooking, and more.

Engage in Low-impact Aerobic Exercises

Exercising can improve vitality, endurance, strength, flexibility, circulation, and reduce the risk of many diseases for anyone. Depending on ability, participate in swimming, golf, yoga, meditation, and simple stretches. Many sports and exercises can be easily adapted dependent on ability and interest.

Socialize

Socializing has been shown to decrease the risk of depression and high blood pressure, and socializing strengthens relationships and improves mental and emotional health. Engage in games and regular conversations and social hours with friends and family. Participating in group classes like dance workshops is an excellent activity for socializing and exercising. It improves balance, mobility, and flexibility. And it’s fun!

There are many hobbies that those in assisted living can take up and enjoy. From enjoying old hobbies to developing new ones, engaging with new interests will help seniors increase connections and improve their quality of life. For more information on addressing the health care needs of the senior in your life, visit Lutheran Living.