Best Hobbies for Seniors

Published: October 4, 2024

You’re never too old to pick up a new hobby. If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re sorely mistaken.

Independent living communities are ideal places to explore new passions and discover hobbies because of the nature of the environment; spacious and full of opportunity. It’s always better to share experiences of trying new things and activities with other people.

Senior living communities are often considered social paradises, allowing seniors and older adults to meet new people and spend time with their friends and family on a beautiful, calming campus.

With a variety of amenities and a calendar filled with events and activities, there’s always something to look forward to in a senior living community. Staying active and prioritizing mental health and social interactions become increasingly important as we age to retain cognitive health and strength.

Some popular hobbies or hobby ideas for seniors at a living community include:

  • Physical activity
  • Learning a new language
  • Taking walks for fresh air
  • Book clubs
  • Card games
  • Arts and crafts
  • and so much more

These hobbies can be done anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, and are great for everyone regardless of gender (hobbies for senior men and hobbies for senior women).

How to Find the Best Hobbies for Seniors? Start By Finding the Right Hobby for You

The most important thing to keep in mind is to try everything.

If one hobby or activity doesn’t feel right to you, try something else. The best part about hobbies is that the possibilities are endless. You’ll never get bored learning a new game or playing a new sport with senior-friendly accommodations.

You also don’t need to be good at a hobby to enjoy it. That’s never the point of a hobby to begin with. Hobbies are supposed to give you opportunities to have fun with yourself and/or the people around you.

Hobbies are essential to our well-being and lifesaving.

In a 2023 study by Nature Medicine, researchers reviewed five large studies that in total included over 93,000 people across 16 countries. All the participants were over the age of 65 and more than 60% experienced mental and physical health problems.

The participants were closely observed for four to eight years, which revealed that those who had hobbies (and made them a priority), experienced “better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction.”

Hobbies enhance our quality of life and sense of accomplishment.

Recall your favorite memories. Chances are most, if not all, involve a hobby or activity of some kind.

Fun Activities for Seniors in Independent Living

Senior woman smiling confident painting clay ceramic at art studio

There are so many benefits of socialization and recreation for seniors. Participating in hobbies for senior citizens is healthy and stimulating.

Playing games from bingo to board games allows seniors to come together, be mentally alert and competitive, and win cool prizes. A weekly or daily game night fosters community and gives seniors something to look forward to.

Joining a chess club or learning a new skill allows seniors to flex their brains and retention skills. Painting, crocheting, writing, sewing, and creating different forms of art are hobbies that will expand creativity and individuality.

Activities that get seniors on their feet are so important for senior health. Fitness routines are a great source of motivation and energy.

Explore Your Passions at The Residences at Plainview

At The Residences at Plainview, we have numerous activity spaces for you to explore and use at any time.

  • Checkmate Card Room
  • Fitness and Dance Studio
  • Fully equipped Fitness Center
  • Fully stocked Library
  • Technology Center
  • Stitch & Needles Sewing Room
  • Vanderbilt Art Studio
  • Multipurpose Room
  • Sports Bar
  • Indoor and Outdoor Pools
  • Movie Theater

At The Residences, our residents are never bored. With daily happy hour, themed parties with live music, outdoor and indoor pools, a library, a golf course, and more, there’s so many ways for our residents to stay socially active.

At every opportunity, our residents invite and involve their beloved family members to join in on the fun. Check out our activity calendar and social media for a glimpse of what we have in store.

Outside The Residences, our residents take advantage of hobbies outside of campus too. Our campus is very close to major shopping and dining areas, parks, beaches, and entertainment.

  • Broadway Commons Mall
  • Roosevelt Field Mall
  • Jones Beach
  • Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • UBS Arena
  • Old Westbury Gardens
  • Various colleges and universities.

Discover your new passion and favorite hobby at The Residences today.