One of great things about the retirement years is having more time for activities of your own choosing. Ask any of our residents at Discovery Commons At Wildewood, and they will probably attest to that as a fact. The possibilities of what to do with your free time are virtually endless, though you may be hindered by physical limitations. No matter where you are as a retiree, health wise, there are activities that you could enjoy because they appeal to your personal interests. Sometimes you just need to think outside the box or simply learn about what the possibilities are. Below are a few activities that may be the perfect way to spend your time.
Letter Writing
In this hyper-electronic age, letter writing has become a lost art. There are some awesome tools that you can invest in, such as fine stationary and smooth-writing fountain pens. The real treasure in this hobby is in the words written to people who will appreciate the effort you put into the correspondence. Letter writing is an excellent way to put your wit, your penmanship, your life experience, and/or your poetic writing skills to great use. Of course, you can write to family members and friends; but you can greatly expand your outreach. Why not write letters to soldiers or to lonely residents in nursing homes? Everyone likes to receive a letter in their mail slot; it is something that will probably never grow old.
Hiking
As much as possible, it is great for seniors to keep moving; and hiking is a hobby that is fun, exciting, and extremely good for your health. Researchers have proven that walks in nature improve mental health, unlike walks in a city surrounding. There are many wonderful places to go on nature walks throughout Maryland, not to mention opportunities to walk through our community. Some basic supplies recommended for hiking are:
- Supportive footwear
- Water
- Extra food, such as high-energy snacks
- First aid kit
- Sun protection such as sunglasses, lip balm, a hat, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A whistle, in case you get lost
Learn a New Language
It turns out to be a myth that new languages should only be a learning experience tackled by children. Adults are just as capable of becoming fluent in a foreign language, though learning techniques and motivations are usually different. The advantage retirees have include life experiences which lead to helpful language associations. Having a much more developed vocabulary also helps. The following are three of the benefits of an elderly person learning a new language:
- The cognitive process involved with learning a foreign language can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
- If you enjoy traveling, learning a new language can enhance the experience.
- In learning a new language, you gain confidence in your own ability to continue learning new things and expanding your horizons.
Cook
You may have never had the time to focus on cooking entirely new recipes. If you enjoy cooking, why not turn it into an exciting hobby? Whether you start baking goodies to share with friends, neighbors, and family members or whether you simply try more complicated recipes, whoever gets to share in the enjoyment of your efforts will surely appreciate it.
Join a Club or Association
It can be so much fun to be a part of a group with similar interests. You can usually get as involved as you like in whatever types of activities are fun for you. There are many opportunities at Discovery Commons At Wildewood to be in clubs. You could even start a club of your own, such as a knitting club, card playing, or book club.
Arts and/or Crafts
Exploring your artistic side may be the most fulfilling way to spend your retirement years. You could even end up with a money-making venture. There are many forms of arts and crafts, including the following:
- Painting
- Making jewelry
- Knitting
- Cross-stitching or embroidering
- Quilting
- Making pottery
- Basket-weaving
- Woodworking
- Whittling
Write a Blog
If you are one of the millions who always meant to write a book, perhaps you could begin your pursuit of writing with a blog that connects you to the world. If you have a knack for sharing the things you know or that interest you in a way that others enjoy reading, you could build a following for your blog that leads to exciting opportunities. Or you could simply blog as a way of sharing personal anecdotes with friends and loved ones. There are numerous ways to make blogging a fun, challenging, motivating hobby. The most popular site for blogging is www.WordPress.com, and it’s free.
These are just a few of many ideas. Perhaps golfing, scrapbooking, fishing, or photography is ideal for you. The world is full of exciting things to do. You can also meet interesting people to share hobbies with, such as at Discovery Commons At Wildewood. What will you do with your free time?
Discovery Commons At Wildewood understands the motions that families go through when preparing to move into a senior living community. Whether looking for yourself or an aging parent, be sure to plan your move accordingly. While you’re at it, be sure to research senior living options like Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Respite Care before figuring out what to do with all of your belongings. For some extra advice, contact us online or give us a call at 301.863.7110 today!
