As we age, it’s important that we keep active. Getting movement and exercise helps us stay physically healthy and mentally happy.

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.

In this post, we’ll explore 21 activities for seniors to enjoy in 2024.

1. Cook Or Bake

Cooking and baking offer a creative way for seniors to stay active and engaged. Trying out new recipes or reinventing old favorites is a fun way to challenge yourself and learn new skills. 

Plus, the result is something delicious to share with your loved ones. 

Consider starting with simple dishes and gradually progressing to more complex recipes or enrolling in a cooking class to learn new techniques and expand your culinary horizons.

2. Dig Into Puzzles And Tabletop Games

From classic board games like chess or Scrabble to modern hits like Catan or Ticket to Ride, tabletop games provide seniors with mental stimulation and social interaction. 

Puzzles are great, as well. They can help improve memory, cognitive function, and overall mental health. 

They also provide an excellent opportunity to bond with family and friends while enjoying some friendly competition.

3. Get Artsy 

Arts and crafts allow seniors to express their creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment. 

Whether it’s painting, drawing, knitting, or pottery, there are many avenues to get you started. 

Look for local classes or workshops where you can learn new skills and techniques, or search online for instructional videos and tutorials to help you get started with a new art form. 

Handmade items also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

4. Take A Class

Learning never stops, and continuing education is a fantastic way for seniors to stay engaged and keep their minds sharp. 

Explore various topics, from history and literature to photography and computer programming, and find classes and courses that ignite your passion. 

Many universities and community colleges offer special programs and discounts for seniors, making lifelong learning affordable and accessible.

5. Exercise

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. 

Here are a few examples of indoor activities for seniors:

  • Chair yoga: Practice gentle stretches and poses while seated in a chair, providing support and stability while improving flexibility and balance.
  • Resistance band exercises: Use resistance bands to build strength and muscle tone in a low-impact and joint-friendly way.
  • Balance exercises: Improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls by incorporating simple exercises like standing on one foot or walking heel to toe.
  • Aerobic activities: Boost your cardiovascular health with low-impact aerobic exercises, such as marching in place, step touches, or side steps.
  • Strength training: Strengthen your muscles using body weight exercises like wall push-ups, seated leg lifts, or seated tap dances.
  • Gentle stretching: Increase flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness with simple stretching exercises, such as neck rolls, shoulder circles, or ankle flexes.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program. 

6. Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help seniors create a sense of calm and balance in their lives.

Mindfulness and meditation offer a wide range of health benefits, like: 

Reduced stress: Regular meditation can help lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, leading to a greater sense of relaxation and calm.

Improved memory and concentration: Meditation can increase attention span and enhance cognitive function, potentially even altering the course of Alzheimers.

Lower blood pressure: Studies have found that meditation can help lower blood pressure, which is particularly beneficial for seniors at risk for hypertension.

Pain management: Meditation is effective in managing chronic pain, helping seniors find relief and improving their overall quality of life.

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to promote overall well-being and support healthy aging from the comfort of your home.

7. Knit Or Crochet 

Knitting and crocheting are relaxing and rewarding hobbies that provide seniors with a sense of accomplishment and creativity right from the comfort of their homes. 

Knitting involves using two long needles to create loops and stitches, ultimately forming a fabric. 

Crocheting, on the other hand, uses a single hooked needle to create interlocking loops, which also result in a fabric. 

Both activities offer the added benefit of improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and they are adaptable to various skill levels.

8. Join A Book Club 

Joining a book club is an excellent way for seniors to engage with literature and connect with like-minded individuals. 

Participating in a book club can help:

  • Improve cognitive function
  • Stimulate intellectual curiosity
  • Foster social connections 

Many libraries, community centers, and online platforms offer virtual book clubs specifically for seniors, providing an opportunity to discover new authors, genres, and perspectives while forming lasting friendships.

9. Take Virtual Tours

Traveling may not always be an option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still explore new places.

Virtual tours allow seniors to experience museums, galleries, and historical sites from the comfort of their own homes. 

Here are a few examples of fun activities for seniors:

The Louvre: Visit one of the world’s most famous museums in Paris and explore its incredible collection, which includes the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo through a virtual tour. 

The British Museum: Take a virtual trip to London and dive into the history and culture of the world through the museum’s extensive collection featuring artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Discover the natural wonders of the world — from dinosaur fossils to rare gems — with a virtual tour of this renowned museum in Washington, D.C. 

The Vatican Museums: Explore the Sistine Chapel and its famous architecture, painted by Michelangelo, through a virtual tour. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in the world of art by taking a virtual tour of New York City’s iconic museum, featuring works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and countless other masters. 

These virtual tours provide an engaging and accessible way for seniors to explore the world’s cultural and historical treasures.

10. Set Up An Online Shop

If your entrepreneurial spirit is still active after retirement, you may consider setting up an online shop.

It can be a fun and rewarding way to share your talents, interests, or collections with the world and score a little extra cash on the side.

Online platforms like Etsy or eBay make it easy to sell handmade items, vintage finds, or unique creations.

An online shop can not only provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, but it can also help supplement your income.

11. Host Virtual Happy Hours

Staying connected with friends and family is crucial for seniors. 

Hosting virtual gatherings, such as happy hours, game nights, or just casual catch-ups, is a fun way to maintain those relationships. 

Schedule regular video calls with your loved ones to share stories, play games, or enjoy each other’s company.

This activity provides an opportunity to socialize and stay engaged while remaining safe and comfortable in your own home.

12. Explore Local And Regional History

Diving into local and regional history can provide you with a newfound appreciation for your community and its unique stories — all from the comfort of your favorite rocking chair. 

To get started with your historical exploration, consider the following activities:

Local history webinars and presentations: Keep an eye out for online presentations, webinars, or recorded talks from local historians, which can provide a wealth of information about your community’s history.

Social media groups: Join local history-focused social media groups or follow community organizations to stay informed about historical events and stories from your region.

Online newspapers and periodicals: Access digitized historical newspapers and magazines through platforms like Newspapers.com or the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America project.

Understanding the past can inspire a sense of pride and connection to the place you call home.

13. Learn About Your Family’s History

Researching your family’s history can be a fascinating and rewarding experience that connects you with your ancestors and their stories. 

Delve into genealogy by examining family records, photographs, and documents, or use online resources to trace your lineage. 

You may even discover long-lost relatives or uncover surprising facts about your family’s past, providing you with a deeper understanding of your roots and heritage.

14. Make Jewelry 

Creating jewelry is a fun and creative in-home activity for seniors, allowing you to design and make beautiful, wearable pieces of art. 

Whether you’re interested in beadwork, metalwork, or wire wrapping, there are numerous techniques to explore right from the comfort of your own home. 

You can find instructional books, online tutorials, and even virtual classes to learn the skills you need to create unique, personalized pieces for yourself or as gifts for others.

Jewelry-making can even help you reap the benefits of improved dexterity, creative expression, social connection, and potentially even generate some additional income while sharing a little piece of yourself with the world.

15. Record, Transcribe Or Translate Historical Documents

Preserving historical documents is an important task that can provide seniors with a sense of purpose and connection to the past. 

There are numerous online projects that allow you to get involved in this valuable work from the comfort of your home

Here are a few to get you started:

National Archives’ Citizen Archivist Program: The U.S. National Archives invites volunteers to transcribe and tag historical documents, making them more accessible to the public.

Zooniverse: Zooniverse is a platform that hosts numerous crowdsourcing projects, including the transcription of historical documents, like old weather logs, diaries, and letters.

Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg is an extensive collection of free electronic books, and they rely on volunteers to proofread and digitize public domain works.

LibriVox: If you prefer recording audio, LibriVox is a project that creates free public domain audiobooks.

By recording, transcribing, or translating historical documents or books, you contribute to preserving our collective history for future generations. 

16. Volunteer For A Cause You Believe In

Many organizations offer virtual or remote volunteer opportunities, making it easier for seniors to give back and support causes they’re passionate about from home. 

Here are a few examples:

United Nations Volunteers: U.N. Volunteers offers a wide range of virtual volunteering opportunities in areas such as advocacy, research, and translation. 

RSVP: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program connects seniors with virtual and remote volunteer opportunities such as tutoring, mentoring, and helping with disaster relief efforts. 

Experience Corps: Experience Corps is a program that connects older adults with opportunities to tutor and mentor children in their communities. 

Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and community involvement while also allowing you to develop new skills and connections.

17. Participate In A Language Exchange

Learning a new language can be an enriching and mentally stimulating activity for seniors. 

Participating in a language exchange allows you to practice your language skills with native speakers while also helping them learn your language. 

Look for language exchange groups or use online platforms like Tandem to connect with conversation partners from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

18. Join A Virtual Choir Or Theater Group

Participating in a community choir or theater group is a fantastic way for seniors to socialize, stay active, and express their creativity. 

These groups often welcome members of all skill levels and provide opportunities for learning, growth, and performance. 

Singing or acting can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment while fostering meaningful connections with fellow group members.

19. Host A Movie Night

Who doesn’t love movie night? Hosting a movie night can be a fun and entertaining way for you to spend time with loved ones, enjoy a date, or have a relaxing evening at home. 

With the help of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, there is an endless selection of movies and TV shows to choose from that caters to all tastes and interests. 

Make it an event by inviting friends or family over. Consider creating a theme with costumes, snacks, or activities relating to the film.

And, if you prefer enjoying a movie on your own, set up a personalized home theater experience. With just a few simple upgrades, such as a comfortable chair or a soundbar, you can transform your living room into a movie theater-like setting!

20. Attend Virtual Concerts Or Operas

With the rise of online streaming services and virtual platforms, attending a concert or opera no longer requires leaving the house. 

Here are some great platforms offering world-class performances from the comfort of your own home:

The Metropolitan Opera: The Metropolitan Opera in New York City offers subscribers on-demand access to hundreds of classic and contemporary performances. 

NPR Tiny Desk Concerts: NPR’s free Tiny Desk Concerts feature intimate live performances from various artists and genres, from indie rock to jazz. 

Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall: The Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall offers live and on-demand concerts and operas, including performances by famous conductors and soloists. 

Royal Albert Home: Royal Albert Home is a free series of concerts and performances by various artists across genres, presented by the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Want to share these experiences with your friends or family? Hosting a virtual watch party using video conferencing software can add a social element to the experience and provide a sense of community, even when physically apart.

21. Write Your Memoir

Writing a memoir is an excellent way for you to reflect on your life, preserve memories, and share your unique stories with future generations.

Start by outlining the key moments and experiences you’d like to include, and then delve deeper into the emotions and lessons that accompanied each event. 

The introspective journey can be a thoughtful, healing, and enlightening way to sort through fun times, traumatic times, and even old relationships you may have forgotten while also creating a valuable keepsake for your loved ones.

Make sure to enjoy the process. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a New York Times bestseller to have value for you and yours. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical activities for older people include physical and mental exercises, social involvement, hobbies, and creative pursuits. Popular physical activities include yoga, walking, and swimming. Mental exercises such as puzzles and brain teasers help maintain cognitive function. Social clubs, community events, and volunteering keep seniors connected and help make new friends.

As a 65-year-old, there are many ways to have fun and stay engaged. You can take a class, host a game night, attend concerts, explore local museums, or participate in physical activities. Volunteering, attending social events, and joining interest-based groups are also great options for socialization and community engagement.

Seniors can enjoy a wide range of activities online, from virtual museum tours and online classes to video chats with friends and family.

Many institutions, including museums, galleries, and universities, offer free online courses and tours. Online gaming and social media platforms can also provide opportunities for socialization and connection.

Streaming services offer a variety of TV shows and movies, and virtual book clubs can provide an avenue for discussion and intellectual stimulation.

Restorative activities for seniors include meditation, deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga, tai chi, knitting, painting, listening to music or audiobooks, spending time in nature, and connecting with loved ones.

These activities can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and provide emotional support and well-being.

 

Protect Your Health, Assets, And Loved Ones

Insurance for seniors is a vital consideration for those who want to protect their health, assets, and loved ones.

As you explore various in-home activities and ways to promote well-being, it’s essential to have insurance coverage that meets your unique needs. 

Choice Mutual offers comprehensive insurance options that can help seniors protect their health and financial security. 

Get a quote now to learn more about how we can help you find the right insurance policy for your individual situation.

Sources:

  1. American Psychological Association 
  2. Medical News Today
  3. NPR
  4. University of Wisconsin