Unconventional Hobbies for Seniors Aging in Place
Aging in place is growing in popularity as the older generation continues to grow. Although this choice can be quite comforting, if it isn’t combined with socialization opportunities and activities, it can also become boring. The good news is that senior home care providers and loved ones can encourage seniors to try activities that challenge the mind, body, and spirit, which is essential for successful aging in place.
Some of the more unconventional hobbies that seniors might enjoy are explored below.
Geocaching
Adventure and technology come together when geocaching. Participants use online coordinates to locate hidden containers, or “geocaches,” using a smartphone or GPS device. This activity gets seniors outside, enjoying nature, and keeping their minds busy as they navigate their way from one cache to the next. This is also a great family activity they can enjoy with loved ones.
Virtual Reality Travel
Virtual reality (VR) provides an amazing way for seniors who would find it difficult to travel to see the world from the comfort of their own homes. Seniors can “visit” locations they’ve always wanted to see, like the surface of Mars, the streets of Paris, or the pyramids of Egypt, using virtual reality systems. This immersive technology is an ideal hobby for seniors with mobility issues.
Birdwatching
By incorporating technology, seniors can take birdwatching to the next level. For instance, apps like Merlin from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird program let them record birds in their own backyards, identify them, and even learn about their migration patterns.
Creative Writing
Everybody has a story to tell, and seniors can express themselves quite effectively through creative writing. Seniors can create poetry, write fiction, or even document their life experiences. Additionally, telling stories on audio or video records gives this activity a contemporary spin. Senior home care can help with this, offering assistance with recording as well as asking questions that get seniors talking.
Genealogy
Investigating one’s family history can be rewarding and fascinating. Seniors can delve deeply into their past through genealogy and discover connections and stories that have been lost to time. This is another area where senior home care can assist, troubleshooting the software when seniors have issues getting online or helping them keep track of the stories they’ve learned.
Hydroponic Indoor Gardening
Hydroponics offers a new approach to gardening by letting seniors grow plants, herbs, and more inside rather than outside. This is perfect for seniors who might not have space for a traditional garden but enjoy the process of growing something from the “ground” up. Additionally, with senior home care’s assistance, seniors can learn how to incorporate what they grow into their meals.
Life doesn’t have to slow down while one ages in place. Seniors can stay busy by trying one or more of the activities above or by coming up with their own list. The opportunities for happiness and learning are limitless, whether they come from technology, creativity, or adventure. All seniors need is encouragement to get outside their comfort zone and try something new. Both loved ones and senior home care can provide this encouragement and offer positive reinforcement along the way.
Sources: https://www.glencroft.com/unique-hobbies-for-seniors/
https://everdays.com/resources/hobbies-for-seniors/
https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/resources/care-hobbies-for-seniors/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Bakersfield CA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.
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