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Benefits of Developing a New Hobby as a Senior

August 10, 2022

Having a hobby has been shown to improve one’s mood and even cognitive skills in adults of any age. For seniors, however, it is especially important. With so much additional free time on their hands, it’s easy to feel aimless as they float through life.

Hobbies return a sense of purpose to one’s life, whether it’s as simple as reading for a book club or as complex as woodworking. The benefits of developing a new hobby as a senior extend far past that, however.

Hobbies are great for stress relief

When one partakes in their hobby, it should be the time of day that their concerns melt away. Some think adding another task to their daily regimen would only build upon their stress, but it tends to have the opposite effect. This is because, instead of focusing on whatever stresses them, the hobby serves as a healthy outlet for distraction.

For those practicing art or writing, they can let out their frustrations on the page. Seniors who choose a sport like golf or yoga receive a boost of endorphins from the physical activity. Both are great ways to manage stress.

Seniors experience a sense of accomplishment

Once one retires, they lose whatever sense of accomplishment they regularly felt when completing a task at work. Tackling a new hobby brings back that sense of pride one feels when they learn a new skill or meet a new milestone. For many older adults, this is a sense of satisfaction they have not felt for some time.

As seniors practice their hobbies, they’ll watch their skills grow. Whether they feel the physical effects of regular exercise or see the impact on their crafty hobby, seeing one’s skills flourish is always exhilarating. Advancing one’s skills also stimulates the brain.

Hobbies improve confidence and self-esteem

With a sense of accomplishment usually comes a boost of confidence and self-esteem. When seniors attempt a new hobby that might be outside their comfort zone and excel at it, they are rightfully proud of themselves. This does wonders for the rest of their self-image, which can suffer as one ages.

In creative outlets, some seniors may even start to sell their creations. This provides them another outlet that boosts their self-esteem, proving that others enjoy their work.

There are communities for all hobbies

No matter what it is someone enjoys, there are other people who enjoy the same hobby. Seniors can find groups of like-minded individuals and meet regularly. Yoga classes, local choir rehearsals, and knitting circles all serve as a great way to hone one’s skills and make friends while doing so.

There are even online communities for seniors to engage with. Here, people from across the world come together to express their love for whatever hobby they all enjoy. Searching for a favorite hobby on Facebook is a great way to start.

Home care makes hobbies more accessible

Some seniors may want to try a new hobby, but difficulties with mobility may stop them from running to the store to purchase supplies or attending group meetings. In-home caregivers can help with that. These professionals can assist with errands, making trying new things accessible.

If you think you may benefit from an in-home care worker, call 773-274-9262 to learn more about Home Care Powered by AUAF.

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