Having hobbies and staying socially active play a big role in living a long and healthy life. Mental and social activities are just as important as physical activities when it comes to healthy aging. Taking part in hobbies, leisure activities, and having a rich social network help avoid isolation and keeping a healthy mind.
8 Healthy Hobbies
1. Get a Pet:
Having a pet is comforting, they produce chemicals in the brain that help lower stress and increase the levels of serotonin. It has even been shown that a pet can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and fight depression.
2. Arts and Crafts:
Taking part in art classes and doing crafts is a good way to find peace of mind. It can be used as a time to be social with friends, so the mind and soul are stimulated at the same time. Art is especially important for seniors because it helps keep the mind alert. In addition, art therapy is used to stimulate the brain, encourage memory, and increase quality of life for those that have dementia.
3. Go Dancing:
Dancing is a great way to partake in exercise and socialization at the same time. It can help seniors improve their balance and help reduce risk of falls. In addition, it has been shown that ballroom dancing lowers the risk of dementia. They believe it is due to the memorization of complex dance steps and moving in time with the rhythm.
4. Garden Work:
Gardening has many benefits, such as being therapeutic, increasing levels of physical activity, and helping increase mobility. Also, it uses fine motor skills while improving endurance and strength. It can help reduce stress levels by being outdoors in nature, creating an overall sense of happiness.
5. Hit a Ball:
Golfing helps improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Getting out and playing golf with friends increases happiness. It’s good for keeping up hand- eye coordination and staying positively stimulated.
6. Play Board Games:
Playing games, such as scrabble are a good way to keep the mind sharp. It has been shown that those who enjoy mentally stimulating games have bigger brains and sharper thinking skills. Also, those with higher education have a decreased risk of cognitive decline. In theory well-educated people have better connected synapses in the brain, so it is less likely to have dementia. Crossword puzzles and critical thinking games are a good way to keep the brain sharp.
7. Get in the Water:
Swimming is a good option if suffering from osteoarthritis because it’s is the easiest form of exercise. Swimming takes pressure off of the joints, so it doesn’t aggravate the condition. It can help improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscle tone, and posture. It is a great way to boost energy levels by releasing endorphins.
8. See Family and Friends:
Visiting with family and friends can help seniors combat feeling isolated. The loneliness of isolation can increase the risk of depression, high blood pressure, and declining mental health. As humans we are wired to interact, so it’s extremely important to have social connections that make seniors feel a reason worth living for.
Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas
Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.
