6 benefits of having hobbies in later life
As you get older, it’s so important to still retain your hobbies, or even work hard to gain some new ones. You might be wondering what the benefits of having hobbies are? While there are benefits to hobbies throughout your whole life, they come into their own during the older years, as after retirement they can help to keep you stimulated. So, let’s find out the benefits of having some hobbies, and what they could potentially be.
Providing stress relief
Having a hobby and an activity you enjoy can really take your mind off anything that may be causing you stress. It is a healthy way of providing a distraction from anything that is on your mind, and you can even have fun whilst doing it. Stress relief is so important, and having a hobby is a healthy way of coping.
Maintain a sense of accomplishment
Even though the pace of life may have slowed down in older age, that doesn’t mean that accomplishments have to stop. Hobbies and your advancement in them can help you retain the sense of accomplishment that improving in something can provide.
Improve your health and immune system
Hobbies, especially physical ones such as light exercise, can help you keep your immune system healthy. Light exercise or even just taking your hobbies outside can mean that your lungs are kept healthier, and your positive attitude could help you maintain your independence and health.
Maintain your confidence and self esteem
Embarking on existing hobbies is something that can help you retain your confidence, and learning a new hobby could even improve on your self esteem. Everyone loves exceeding in a new skill, and this satisfaction is something you can experience with the enjoyment of a brand-new hobby.
Maintain agility in your joints
Your hobbies don’t have to include physical exercise – even more stagnant hobbies can help you keep the agility in your joints. This could be because of painting, sewing, knitting or even making things. Keeping your mobility is an important part of ageing, and hobbies can help you in this endeavour.
Widen your social circle
Some hobbies can help you widen your social circle. Those that require more than one person – chess, bingo, and some physical activity, for example – can help you build and maintain friendships. Relationships are so important in helping you to keep a positive attitude and enjoyment in your every day.
What hobbies could you embark on?
It’s likely that you may already have hobbies and you just need a push to revisit them, or maybe you had a treasured hobby when you were younger, and you’re keen to try it out again. If you’re looking for a new hobby, but you don’t know where to start, you could think about the following:
- Gentle ports
- Chess
- Games – sudoku, cards, board games, bingo
- Walking
- Gardening
- Sewing or knitting
- Reading
Hobbies are something that can be supported by your home care worker. Whether this is playing a board game with you, accompanying you on a walk or taking you to a group activity, your care worker will ensure that your independence is maintained. Here at Verilife, it is our priority to ensure that you can enjoy your everyday life, whilst being supported by our knowledgeable, empathetic care workers. If you’re interested in what home care can provide you with, email our team on hello@verilife.co.uk or call 02031419290.
If you are interested in ways to prevent or reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life, you can get in touch with our care workers for more tailored advice. Our care team is also proficient in optimising your home to cater to a dementia diagnosis, ensuring your safety. To get in touch with our Verilife team, email us on hello@verilife.co.uk or call 02031419290.
