Living as a retired person can sometimes mean things are a little boring. After all, it’s not like you need to be at work in the morning. Every day’s like having the day off and filling that time isn’t always obvious.
Thankfully, there are a lot of activities for old people that are readily accessible which you can use to meet others, engage with your community, keep your mind sharp, and maintain your passion for life. Below is a list of the best activities for old people in retirement:
1. Walking
Whether it’s with a walking club or simply going out and exploring nature, walking’s very low-impact and can help keep you active. If you choose to join a group or start your own, or in finding a walking partner, it’s also a nice way to socialize while exploring nearby parks or community walking paths you may not have previously known about.
2. Reading
It may seem a little old-fashioned but sitting down with some of literature’s classics, some of your favourite unread biographies, or historical novels and reading word by word does a lot for the mind. In the same way we use movement and weights to keep our physical selves engaged, mentally speaking, reading does the same thing for the brain.
3. Concerts
If you have some disposable income and time on your hands, there’s no shortage of concerts or music performances out there. Listening to music is one of the best activities for old people. In addition, you may also try buying albums, enjoying concerts, or just being around melody and rhythm can prove to be a very lively experience.
4. Gardening
Gardening gets you outdoors and breathing fresh air. It can also be very physical, creating movement and keeping the body active. Digging in the dirt and planting, there’s just something about it.
This is one of the best activities for old people because it’s so relaxing, it lets you unwind, and it gives you something to take pride in. Throughout summer, you also get to reap the rewards of your garden with flowers, herbs, or vegetables coming through.
5. Art classes
There’s a lot of artistic classes out there for a senior to partake in. Open up your creativity and search out a watercolor or acrylic painting class. Alternatively, perhaps you’re more interested in pottery or ceramics. This is another hands-on artistic opportunity to express yourself.
You may also find some jewelry making classes that can be fun, especially if you bring a family member or friend. Making bracelets or necklaces helps to keep those motor skills sharp and at the end of it, you produce something you can wear, gift, or sell.
6. Singing in a choir
If you have a passion for singing, there may be local opportunities to sing in a church choir or alternatively join a barbershop quartet. Every area’s a little different in terms of senior singing activities but if you love singing, it’s worth checking out to see what, if anything, is open.
7. Continuing education
There’s no reason you have to stop learning once you reach a certain age. Continuing your education, attending lectures, or engaging in local university or college presentations keep you mentally alert and engaged. The academics and cultural offerings of universities and colleges may also help you find entirely new subjects of interest for you to sink your teeth into.
8. Group exercise classes
These activities for old people might seem rather obvious, but if you’re not already a member of a gym or regularly attend an exercise class, consider it. Things like yoga, tai chi, and senior-focused classes keep you moving, increase flexibility, and help with balance. You’re also likely to meet some others in your community, which can help give you a social connection you may not otherwise have.
9. Book club
Book club is not necessarily senior-specific. If you’re an avid reader and enjoy meeting people from different age groups, there you go. This gets you reading, thinking, and socializing. If you don’t have a local book club, you may want to start one or alternatively there are book club communities online you may enjoy partaking in.
10. Playing a musical instrument
You’re never too old to pick up an instrument and master it. Have you always wanted to learn piano? How long has it been since you last played the guitar? Music is a little like subconscious mathematics. The rhythms, the song structures, and the ways notes and chords relate all tie to math. Receive the pleasure of making beautiful music while learning a new skill and keeping yourself sharp.
11. Writing your autobiography
Even if you don’t intend to publish it, writing out your life story as an older person can help encapsulate everything you’ve done, help you realize or see some areas where you could have done different, and is a nice exercise in giving your day-to-day meaning. Write it out, bring together photos or mementos you may have, and preserve your history. Even if no one else ever finds what you’ve written or put together, reflecting on your own life experience is the exercise.
