Beyond Knitting: Recreational Activities For Seniors

By Lori Thomas, VP of Marketing / Chief Editor

As seniors begin to enter into their golden years, it is completely understandable if they want to relax, unwind and slow down a bit as they start to enjoy this phase of their lives. However, this doesn't mean that today's seniors still can't get up, get moving and be active during this time in their lives. Being active doesn't just give seniors something to do either, it can help keep them physically and mentally healthy.

Moving around and staying physically active is a great way to keep seniors healthy, fit and in less pain than many of their peers. It can help improve joint health and prevent a number of common health issues. However, creating an active lifestyle for seniors isn't just about exercising either, there are other recreational activities that can challenge the mind of any senior and keep them sharp, social and engaged.

Staying busy with recreational activities is above more than just knitting. There are a lot more activities that seniors can do in order to stay busy and active. From physical exercise to fun games and new hobbies, there is no end to the list of different recreational activities that seniors can try. It is time to put down the knitting needles and focus on new experiences with this list of engaging and fun activities for seniors.

Volunteering

For seniors who need to get out of the house and who love giving back, there is no better recreational activity than volunteering. One of the great things about volunteering is that there are so many different options available, meaning no matter what a senior's interest or ability level may be, there are volunteer opportunities out there. Walking dogs, working at soup kitchens, visiting hospitals and working with children are all just a few of the many ways that seniors can volunteer and most of these organizations have special senior-centered programs designed to work with older adults and their specific needs.

Golf

For seniors who love sports, golf is a great recreational activity. It gets seniors out of the house, into fresh air and it is great exercise. One of the wonderful things about golf is that it can be played specifically at a level that meets each senior's needs. Seniors can play a full round of golf and walk between holes, take golf carts, play a half round, hit the driving range or just work on putting, meaning golf is a great way for seniors of all physical abilities to get out and enjoy this beloved sport.

For the tech-savvy senior who like to spend time online, Pinterest is a great way for seniors to develop a hobby and explore different interests. Whether they are interested in fashion, home accents, design, gardening or anything in between, creating and managing Pinterest boards is a great activity to engage a senior's different interests. This is a far more productive activity than just surfing the web and a more organized online experience for seniors who like to spend time online. Plus, they can enjoy this activity no matter what time it is.

Game Clubs

For seniors who want to maintain an active social life, there is nothing better than joining a game-centered club. The great things about these clubs is they provide social interactions and don't require a great deal of skill. Bunco has become a popular group-centered dice game, while other clubs focus on cards, board games, Bingo or Chess. The combination of fun, mental stimulation and a little competitiveness makes these clubs a great option for seniors of all ages.

Working Out

For seniors who are still able to move around safely, exercise is one of the most important and beneficial activities they can consider. Staying physically active is really important for seniors and it comes with a long list of important health benefits. However, working out is also a great way to keep seniors busy, too. Senior-friendly workouts don't have to be super strenuous either. Walking, water aerobics, yoga and pilates are all great workout options that can help seniors get active and stay active. Plus, taking exercise classes is a great way for seniors to meet new people, prevent loneliness and maintain the active social life they need.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to helping a senior find a workout routine, is that it needs to be something that they can maintain and do on a routine basis. This is one of the most important components of finding any new recreational activity as it needs to be something that seniors can do every day if they want.

Writing

Writing is a fantastic recreational activity for seniors who need something that is more mentally challenging than physically challenging. This is a great way for seniors to stretch their minds and it can help keep any aging adult mentally sharp and focused. Creating a diary, engaging in creative writing exercises, joining a poetry class or simply writing letters to children, friends and grandchildren are all great ways for seniors to enjoy writing.

Art Classes

For seniors who are a little more creative or who like the idea of making something for others, like knitting projects, art classes are a great way to fulfill this creative side. There are so many senior living centers that offer art classes for their residents and who have partnership programs with area art studios and schools where senior-specific art classes are offered. This can engage the mind, promote creativity and be a great social experience for any senior.

Getting Out in Nature

It is so important for seniors, and adults of any age to spend time outside in the sun. In fact, studies have shown that spending time outside can boost health, prevent depression and it helps people live longer. For seniors, these activities can include hiking, fishing, collecting plats, birdwatching or even gardening. If a senior doesn't have a garden of their own, there are many community gardens in neighborhoods around the country that allow any person with a green thumb to come in and start planting.

So while knitting may be a fun past-time, seniors who really want to have some fun in their golden years should consider some of these alternative recreational activities to fill their time. They just may not only have a great time, but find a new passion that will bring great joy to their lives.