As we age, it’s important to keep active. Getting movement and exercise helps us stay healthy and mentally happier as well.

Senior health can be drastically improved by working toward goals, having fun, and being an active part of the community. Even if you can’t get out much, there’s still plenty you can do at home to keep busy.

 

Indoor Activities

Many activities can be done inside, which is great because they are not weather-dependent, so you won’t have to deal with the heat or cold.

Fun indoor activities can help keep your mind active, and your energy up, which can motivate you to take a more active role in your own health and wellness and has been proven to improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

 

Outdoor Activities

You don’t have to go far from home to get some fresh air and sunlight, which can improve your mood and increase health by developing vitamin D. Outdoor activities can consist of a wide variety of activities, from fishing to gardening. Hosting a picnic can be an enjoyable way to interact with others outside, as can visiting farmers’ markets or watching a drive-in movie.

 

Chair Exercises

Many seniors who want to exercise may have difficulty due to hip or leg pain issues or a lack of balance. These things can make exercising challenging and possibly even dangerous.

One way seniors can still exercise is by following a workout plan that can be done in a chair. There are many options out there for different types of workouts that can be done in a chair in the comfort of your own home.

 

Cooking and Baking

Cooking and baking are fun for people of all ages, including seniors. Even the simplest recipes can produce delicious results!

And for those who struggle with kitchen safety due to balance or vision issues, there are often adaptations that can help. For instance, if you have arthritis, choose recipes that don’t require chopping or other fine motor skills.

 

Finding a New Hobby

Many seniors may realize that earlier in their lives, they were busy and fulfilled by work and family, but now, they need a new hobby to keep them happy and healthy.

There are many hobbies to choose from, from golf to card games to swimming. Many choose to pick up a new skill or spend time working on crossword or jigsaw puzzles.

 

Limited-Mobility Activities

Older people can experience limited mobility due to strokes, injuries, or other health complications, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still stay active.

Many people enjoy reading, from romance novels to nonfiction or anything in between and other low-mobility activities like crochet, cooking or learning a new language. These are all fantastic ways not only to cure boredom but to keep the mind engaged and active.

With limited mobility, seniors can also dive into creative realms they may not have had time for in the past, like painting or making scrapbooks and recipe books. Being outside or sitting by a window can also help improve your mood and outlook.

Having visitors, watching television, or listening to music can also be great ways for seniors to spend their time. You could even help out a good cause by choosing to crochet blankets, put together care packages, or make no-sew toys.

 

Other Ways to Stay Busy

Staying busy and maintaining a social life can be a challenge for older adults, so it often gets put off, even though it’s a vital component of overall senior health.

In addition to exercising and spending time relaxing and doing hobbies, make time for lunch clubs and other activities that involve socialization.