Ah, retirement! The perfect time for seniors to pursue new passions and hobbies! Should we bring out the 1,000+ piece puzzles, crochet needles, and BINGO cards? No!
At Maranatha Village, our retirement community in Springfield MO, our residents are interested in all types of interesting hobbies. From motorcycle riding to musicianship, our residents go beyond tired cliches.
In this blog post, we’d like to share 5 unique hobbies for seniors in retirement communities, so seniors can make their golden years exciting and fun.
1. Geocaching
Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. Participants use the Geocaching app and a GPS system to locate small hidden items in trees, caves, and even in urban settings. Geocaches are usually small, sealed containers of trinkets or mementos, and sometimes contain a “guest-book” to sign. Most geocaches are looked at, and then replaced, but sometimes your instructions say “take something, leave something.”
Geocaching involves exercise and a bit of curiosity and mystery. Seniors could also hide geocaches around their retirement community, and get other residents involved in the hunt.
2. Learning a New Language
It’s never too late to learn a different language, and retirement finally allows seniors the time to do it! There are plenty of resources to help people learn a second language, and there are tutors who can help.
Learning a new language could even be a group or partner activity, as residents can practice their new language by conversing with each other.
3. Learning a Musical Instrument
Residents in the Maranatha retirement community are very musically inclined! They sing in our choir and play instruments at our worship services. Retirement is the perfect time to learn something new, and the challenges of learning to read and play music keep your brain active and sharp.
4. Improv or Acting Classes
The benefits of improv theatre go beyond just acting. A recent study of people aged 55+ engaged in improv theatre showed that participants experienced “increased positivity, an increased sense of comfort and ease with the unexpected, a sense of self-development and self-awareness, and a feeling of acceptance by their social group.
5. Gaming
That’s right–Fortnite isn’t just for kids and teens! Seniors love to play video games too, and the problem-solving and hand-eye coordination involved can keep their brains healthy and active. A recent survey done by AARP found that the number of adults over 50 who play video games has increased from 40.2 million in 2016 to 50.6 million in 2019.
Retirement Community at Maranatha Village
Spend your golden years with us! Maranatha Village is a top-rated senior and assisted-living community in Springfield, MO. We have versatile housing options, including houses, apartments, and duplexes. For more information about Maranatha Village, contact us today!
