Taking up a few hobbies in the golden years can help seniors stave off boredom and inactivity. They can fill their days with fun and creative activities that boost their mental health and social skills. The reliable San Diego at-home caregivers at Coast Care Partners have put together a list of some simple hobbies seniors can do from the comfort of their homes.
Gardening
Taking up gardening can boost your elderly loved one’s heart health, hand strength and dexterity, and immune system. This hobby also requires spending time outdoors while working in the yard. The exposure to the sun provides the vitamin D bones need to increase balance and flexibility, which could reduce the risk of slips and falls. Your loved one can start out with a small garden and add more fruits, vegetables, spices, and plants in the future. Growing the garden could enhance his or her mood and stave off boredom and depression.
Cooking
Making family recipes and homemade meals can be therapeutic for older adults. Many seniors need assistance while cooking, which gives them the opportunity to bond with their children, grandchildren, and friends. Going over recipes is a good way to stay mentally active. Encourage your loved one to cook healthy meals that reduce the risk of hypertension, diabetes, digestive issues, obesity, and other serious conditions.
Blogging
Blogging is a fun and creative hobby for seniors that doesn’t have to turn into a professional job. The purpose of this hobby is to have fun and write about things that truly matter to them, such as the climate, charities, medical topics, family, television shows, movies, and literature. By blogging, your loved one can focus on something other than negative situations that may be occurring in his or her life. Redirecting negative attention into something positive like blogging can help your loved one manage stress and prevent cardiovascular conditions.
Playing Online Games
Your loved one must keep his or her brain active in the senior years. Playing games can enhance your loved one’s thinking skills and reaction times and boost his or her long-term cognitive health. There are many websites with games your loved one can play, and most online games are free, including word searches, picture puzzles, and card games. Your loved one can even join other players online, which could enhance his or her socialization skills.
Drawing
All seniors need for this simple hobby is a pencil and a piece of paper. However, they can take it a step further by using crayons, markers, or even paint. Drawing can make seniors feel more productive and accomplished, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence, and it can also increase their hand-eye coordination. Being present in the moment is a good way to enhance mood and increase the odds of living a long and healthy life.
If your loved one needs assistance with hobbies or accomplishing daily tasks such as exercise, cooking, and cleaning, he or she may benefit from professional elderly home care. San Diego seniors can live happier, healthier lives with the help of the dedicated caregivers at Coast Care Partners. To learn more about our excellent in-home care, give us a call today at 619-354-2544.
