Hobbies are the key to a rewarding lifestyle. For older adults, these activities bring joy, passion, engagement, and more to everyday life. They’re an incredible way to maintain an active lifestyle and find joy in every moment. So what are some of the best hobbies for seniors?
8 great hobbies for seniors include:
- Gardening
- Walking clubs
- Painting or drawing
- Joining a book club
- Dancing
- Volunteering
- Cooking or baking
Gardening
Gardening offers a mix of physical activity, relaxation, and pleasure. It’s a rewarding activity that brings gentle exercise and a sense of accomplishment to your loved one’s day. With plenty of benefits, gardening offers a chance to connect with nature in unique ways.
There’s also a calming energy that comes with spending time outdoors. Many older adults find that time spent tending to plants reduces stress and boosts their mood.
To help a loved one start gardening, encourage them to start with:
- Herbs like basil and mint (great for recipes and teas)
- Succulents like jade or aloe (easy to care for)
- Vegetables like lettuce or radishes (fast-growing options)
- Bright flowers like marigolds or zinnias
No matter the size of the project, gardening is extremely rewarding.
Walking Clubs
Walking is a simple way for older adults to stay active—so walking clubs are even better. They add a social element that makes an easy activity more enjoyable. Walking offers significant benefits to older adults, as it’s a low-impact activity that can be performed at any pace.
Walking in a group brings benefits such as:
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Strengthening muscles and bones
- Boosting mood and mental health
- Enhancing balance and coordination
- Encouraging social connections
With comfortable footwear and a little time carved out several days a week, walking provides a fantastic opportunity to get moving. Plus, many walking clubs also choose scenic routes—like local parks or neighborhoods—to turn each walk into an enjoyable outing.
Painting or Drawing
Creative activities like painting or drawing are excellent hobbies for seniors. They spark the imagination and offer an outlet for self-expression. Even better, these hobbies don’t require any experience or expensive supplies, so they’re accessible to older adults across the country. Being creative is incredibly helpful for older adults and brings plenty of cognitive benefits.
Encourage your loved one to start simple. With just a pencil and paper, they can steadily work towards improving their artistic abilities. Remind them it’s not about the result—it’s about enjoying the journey and expressing themselves in unique ways.
Joining a Book Club
Books hold the power to entertain, transport, and inspire. However, the experience doesn’t have to end at the last page. Joining a book club means the story continues, and your loved one gains the chance to connect with others sharing their interests.
Book clubs—whether in person or virtual—foster social interaction and a sense of community. Discussing themes, characters, and ideas with others makes reading a more engaging and collaborative experience. Reading even offers cognitive benefits, including improved memory and focus, which can be a great way to preserve mental capacity.
Dancing
Few hobbies bring together exercise and fun as well as dancing. It’s an ideal hobby for older adults—it’s a chance to move in a group and enjoy the music they love. Dancing helps improve:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Endurance
- Cardiovascular health
Dancing helps keep the body active without feeling like a chore. There are styles for every interest, from Zumba to ballroom dancing, to make things more entertaining. Whether your loved one enjoys structured classes or simply dancing around their home, music is an excellent way to boost their spirits and health at the same time.
Volunteering
Giving back to the community is a meaningful way for older adults to feel connected and purposeful. Volunteering brings a sense of fulfillment, but it also offers opportunities to make friends and stay active.
There are countless options for volunteering, including:
- Assisting with local events, such as fairs or charity runs
- Helping at libraries and schools with reading programs
- Supporting animal shelters by walking dogs or caring for cats
- Providing mentorship through tutoring or sharing career wisdom
No matter the role, volunteering lets your loved one contribute their skills to a cause they believe in. Even just an hour a week makes an impact, and can bring joy and purpose to their week.
Cooking or Baking
For many, food isn’t just about eating. It’s about creating something enjoyable that stimulates the senses and sharing this joy with others. Cooking and baking bring both creativity and practicality which can be extremely beneficial.
Meanwhile, this hobby also ties into healthy living. Preparing food at home helps your loved one make more conscious choices about their health. They can control ingredients and portion sizes, and even modify recipes to match their dietary restrictions.
Plus, cooking and baking are great hobbies for social gatherings—making meals with friends or hosting dinner parties brings everyone together in a meaningful way.
A Fulfilled Lifestyle Awaits
Hobbies are a wonderful way for older adults to enjoy their days. These activities—whether painting, cooking, or dancing—are all excellent options designed to bring joy to everyday life. That’s why our team at Somerby Mobile takes so much pride in supporting our residents as they pursue their passions.
In our community, your loved one will be supported every day, no matter their interests. We know the value of enjoyable hobbies, and we love helping people smile. Contact us today and schedule a visit to see for yourself!
