Does Your Elderly Loved One Need a Hobby? Here Are Some They Might Enjoy.
July 8, 2020
It can be beneficial for elderly adults to get a hobby. Many studies show that hobbies can improve a person’s mental, physical, and overall health. If your elderly loved one is looking for a hobby, there are some things that you can learn to help them out.
Benefits of Having Hobbies for Elderly Adults
Hobbies offer a multitude of health benefits such as improving motor, socializing, and memory skills. In fact, some studies show that elderly adults who learn how to quilt have better memory skills than people who did fewer cognitive activities. Some benefits of participating in a hobby include the following:
Improving self-esteem
Keeping your elderly loved one busy
Promoting socialization
Improving memory skills
Along with these benefits, your elderly loved one will have the opportunity to build and strengthen their muscles, as well.
Types of Hobbies for Elderly Adults
There are many different types of hobbies that elderly adults can enjoy. You can learn about some of the most common hobbies here today and share them with your elderly loved one.
Being Outdoors and Exercising
There are many types of hobbies that elderly people can incorporate into their life. Some of them can be outdoors. These include the following:
Gardening - Studies show that gardening can help reduce stress, strengthen a person’s muscles, and improve an elderly adult’s mental health.
Dancing - This can improve overall heart health, enhance serotonin levels, and help with balance.
Swimming - Swimming can help enhance flexibility, improve muscle tone, and improve a person’s mood.
There are so many other great outdoor hobbies, as well. As an elder care provider or family caregiver, the best thing you can do is talk with your elderly loved one to see what hobby they would like to try out.
Arts and Crafts
There are many hobbies that will help your elderly loved one improve their motor or memory skills. Some of these include the following:
Drawing - This can help to manage stress, bring out a person’s creative side, and stimulate the brain.
Crocheting - Crocheting can help to reduce stress, lower heart rate, and improve motor skills.
Crafting - Many people do this hobby in a social setting. It can increase your elderly loved one’s social skills, build self-confidence, and contribute to their well-being.
Your elderly loved one might even want to try painting or building models. Many elderly adults find great pleasure from these types of hobbies.
Activities to Do On Their Own
Sometimes a hobby is done on one’s own. It is important to remember that these types of hobbies can be beneficial for elderly adults. For instance, journaling, scrapbooking, and reading can all help a person improve their overall mental health. Making sure that your elderly loved one has something to do, even when they are alone, is important.
Conclusion
Hobbies can be good for a person’s mental and physical well-being. This is why it is so important to encourage your elderly loved one to begin a new hobby as soon as possible.
If you or your loved one is looking for Elderly Care in Belmont, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/participating-activities-you-enjoy