Seniors often find staying active more difficult as they get older. In the past, working, raising a family, and keeping a house in order took up just about every moment of your time. Senior health and wellness is an activity that needs to be in place to keep you going for many more years. What can you do to fill in all those extra gaps left after the kids grew up and you retired? The good news is that staying active only takes a bit of thought and planning. Let’s take a look at five ways you can increase your senior wellness by remaining active.
1. Visit the Local Senior Center
Nearly every town, no matter how small, has some senior center. These places vary in the activities they offer but you are sure to find some way of staying active. You can talk with others, going on day excursions, or helping out by running errands for those who can’t. Each of these activities can aid seniors in maintaining a sharp mind and a healthy body.
2. Grow a Garden
Gardening can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. If you’re going to go simple, plant a variety of herbs in planters and create a windowsill or patio garden. As an alternative, you could plant flowers along your walkway or get ambitious and make a raised flower or vegetable in your back yard. If you want to add more to this, why not add a few bird feeders and maybe a birdbath and make your yard your oasis?
3. Take Up a Hobby
Seniors have more time on their hands to pursue the things they want to do rather than the things they have to do. Think about some hobby you used to enjoy and had to put down because you lacked the time to pursue it. Now would be the perfect time to pick the hobby back up. You might also consider learning a new skill or taking a class that interests you. This action will not only keep your body active but will also benefit your mind, keeping it healthy.
4. Volunteer
There are many more volunteer activities than there are people to volunteer. There are some made especially for seniors like foster grandparents. However, there are others that anyone can do who feels up to the task. Maybe you could volunteer at a food bank or offer to help socialize the kittens at the local animal shelter. Local food banks and soup kitchens are always looking for help, as are adult education programs. If teaching is something you enjoy, why not consider teaching adults to read? If being around people isn’t your thing and you have a talent like woodworking or knitting, consider making gifts for Christmas programs or the local nursery.
5. Travel
There are established senior travel clubs that schedule regular trips to places throughout this country and the world. If you want to see the world, you could join one of these groups. You might instead get behind the wheel of your car and grab a friend, human or furry, and set out to explore the country on an extended road trip. Make it a themed tour of things like haunted houses or natural wonders. Turn it into a photography trip. You could set up camp in a national park or work with one of the many couch surfing apps and find rooms or couches to stay at each night. These activities let you meet new people as well as see new places. The world is yours now. If physical adventure is not possible, join a book club that meets weekly and explore the world that way.
Learn More With SeniorSmart
At SeniorSmart, we strive to help seniors enjoy the benefits that come along with aging. Whether you have questions about maintaining wellness or senior living options, our team has answers. Contact us or call us today at 205.460.1124 for more information about staying active during your golden years.
