Unwind Your Mind

By: Aroob Qureshi

Dreamstime.com

Ever find yourself bored on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Perhaps another nap should suffice, or a T.V show. Well, there are many hobbies and activities that seniors may take part in that are worth exploring and looking into! Tit for tat, not only do seniors get to do something fun and different, but they also get numerous benefits out of these activities. Let’s get into it… who knows, maybe you can find something by the end of this post that sparks a newfound interest.

First, let’s discuss why it’s important and beneficial to engage in a hobby or activity in the first place. An online post by S.J Scott says, “Sometimes it is important to bring some change to what might seem like a boring life.” (1) One main benefit of partaking in an activity outside of one’s usual routine is that one gets to pass time in a meaningful way, while also detaching from the monotonous “rinse and repeat” cycle of the week.

Second, hobbies are a great stress reliever. As we all go through personal troubles, other commitments, and the general business of life, having an extra activity to fall back on can be a game-changer. However, a hobby is something that one should find bliss and joy in. Or else, one such activity may play the opposite role of adding more stress to the day as it is one more thing that needs to be accomplished. Instead, when one does a hobby, the mind should be free of all worries, and stress. In fact, it should be an outlet to relieve any stress! Hobbies also promote eustress (also known as good stress). This type of stress is positive and promotes excitement about what one is doing. Any kind of challenge or thrill that comes out of the hobby is considered eustress. Eustress is good because it may promote feelings of motivation, contentment, builds self-efficacy and resilience (2).

Third, hobbies may prevent one from wasting time and creating bad habits. By having an extra hobby or activity to fill the day, not only does boredom decrease, but negative activities or bad habits don’t get a chance to form as these idle times are filled with something else. Further, by taking on the new habit of a hobby, one can also end up improving their memory!

Fourth, one can improve their self-confidence and self-esteem through activities. For example, by doing something new and taking a step outside of one’s comfort zone, one may end up doing things they once thought were impossible! Not only does it feel good to accomplish a goal, but that sense of success and confidence may help build self-esteem. So, remember to keep pushing yourself and stay motivated no matter what the age because it will most definitely pay off!

Now that you know the main benefits of having a hobby and partaking in activities, let’s dive into what they may be!

1. Join a group exercise class such as yoga or form a walking club (3). Ask some friends or folks in the community to join you on a walk around the block or a nearby walking path. This may eventually become routine, and maybe more people end up joining with time. What a great way to socialize, enjoy nature, and get those steps in!

2. Try to form or join a club! For example, a book club, gardening club, art club, jewellery-making club, or music club.

3. Crafting can take place in a lot of different ways (4). For example, painting with watercolour or acrylics, drawing and sketching (pencils or markers to chalk or crayons), knitting, or making pottery. More so, one may look into wearing, gifting or selling these artistic creations.

4. Cooking and baking. Some simple recipes such as cookies or pancakes are a lot of fun! Or one may opt for a more complex menu if up for the challenge.

5. Create your own self-care day! Alone or with company, one can choose many self-care options such as at a salon, barber or spa, where they can enjoy haircuts, colouring, styling, manicures, skin treatments, and massages.

I would like to finish off with this excerpt taken out of one of the websites used to compile some of the hobbies/activities listed above as it perfectly highlights why seniors should invest their time and energy into various hobbies/activities.

“More and more, gerontological science shows a direct link between an active, engaging lifestyle and healthy longevity. Physical activity and mental stimulation positively affect cognition for both elderly adults who are free from neurological disorders and those with conditions like depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Ultimately, happy seniors living fulfilling lives can expect to live better and longer.”

- Elizabeth Bemis, Vice President at United Methodist Homes (UMH) located in the United States.

References

1. S.J Scott. “22 Benefits of Having a Hobby or Enjoying a Leisure Activity”. Developgoodhabits.com, 18 Jan. 2022, https://www.developgoodhabits.com/benefits-hobby/

2. S. Lindberg. “Eustress: The Good Stress”. Healthline.com, 3 Jan. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/eustress

3. K. Pollock. “Beyond Bingo: 14 Activities for Elderly People That Aren't Boring”. Arborcompany.com, 27, Jan. 2020, https://www.arborcompany.com/blog/14-activities-for-elderly-people-that-arent-boring

4. E. Bemis. “10 Stimulating Activities for the Elderly”. Umh.org, 12, March. 2020, https://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/stimulating-activities-for-the-elderly