Creative Hobbies for Older Adults that Promote Mental Health

Hobbies may provide diversion, relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment, but they also can benefit our mental health. This is especially true for senior adults, who are more prone to depression due to isolation and loneliness. In fact, studies have shown that senior hobbies positively impact senior cognitive and physical health.

Exploring Senior Hobbies

Perhaps you used to have a hobby but stopped pursuing it due to diminished physical abilities or financial constraints. Don’t worry! Many senior hobbies can be enjoyed despite physical limitations and for little or no money.

Are you interested in learning a skill you’ve never tried before? There are free online classes available for seniors who want to try something new.

Art

Painting, drawing, and creating useful items enable seniors to explore many ways to display their creativity while helping to keep their minds engaged and functioning at a high level. There are multiple mediums to choose from such as watercolor, acrylic, oil paint and more. You could even try your hand at sculpting with clay or painting pottery. Try not to focus on creating something “perfect.” Instead, see where the art piece takes you and what happens when you let your creativity flow!

Reading and Writing

Reading is a wonderful hobby that exercises our imagination and allows us to dive into new worlds. It is also a great way to maintain cognitive health and an opportunity to learn. There are many ways to share what you are reading with others and access books at low prices.

If you like reading and discussing your books with groups, then consider pursuing an online book club, which are easy to find. Are you interested in history? Fiction? Sports? There is a book club for you!

Audiobooks are another great resource, and there are easy-to-use audiobook players for seniors to make listening to audiobooks simple and enjoyable.

The National Library Service also provides a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page.

If you’ve never tried writing your own short story, this could be a fun way to keep your imagination active. Try picking a new topic each day and writing about it. You never know what you may come up with!

Music

Music has always been one of the most powerful ways to inspire, motivate, and uplift people. Its positive effects have been shown for people of all ages, and even for those with dementia.

If you’ve never played a musical instrument, it’s never too late to start learning! You don’t have to be an accomplished pianist or composer to enjoy playing music. Some instruments are easier for seniors to learn than others, but any instrument will help you tap into your creative side.

Photography

Photography is a terrific hobby that focuses the mind and eyes on the world around us. You don’t have to travel to an exotic place, as there is probably plenty of beauty around you once you start looking for it. A good digital camera and a book about how to frame and shoot photos can get you started, not to mention online photography courses. It’s a healthy way to open your eyes to the special places in which you live.

Gardening

Is there anything more calming than a garden? The flowers and plants seem to absorb human stress. Tending them and watching them grow is a source of personal satisfaction. Find out what plants and flowers thrive in your area and create your own personal garden oasis.

There are plenty of online gardening clubs you can join to learn more about your new hobby and meet others who enjoy gardening.

If you aren’t as keen on getting your hands dirty in the garden, try your hand at flower arrangements! Pick some flowers outside on a walk or purchase your favorite stems from a local florist and flex your creative muscles! You may also be able to find flower-arranging and bouquet-making classes to learn from a professional.

Cooking and Baking

This hobby involves all the senses — touch, sight, smell, taste and even hearing,  Cooking and baking also provide personal satisfaction by producing something others can enjoy. Do you have recipes that have been handed down through your family, favorites you used to make years ago, or something you’ve always wanted to try?

Don’t be afraid to try new things or make mistakes in the kitchen. If you are still looking for a bit of guidance, there are thousands of online recipes and cooking tips from professional chefs and hobby bakers. Many don’t require any expert skill and provide video tutorials to follow along with.

If you enjoy cooking with others and socializing, look for a local cooking class. These are normally led by an instructor and attendees work collaboratively to create the perfect dish.

For more ideas for senior hobbies or mental health tips, visit Bethesda’s health & wellness blog.