There are many things you can do to help improve your health as you age, including making healthy food choices and avoiding smoking. But did you know that participating in social activities and other activities you enjoy can also help support healthy aging?
As we get older, we may find ourselves spending more time at home alone. Being lonely or socially isolated is not good for our overall health. For example, it can increase feelings of depression or anxiety, which can negatively impact many other aspects of our overall health. If you find yourself spending a lot of time alone, try to engage in activities that you find meaningful – these are the ones that create a sense of purpose in your daily life. These activities can include hobbies, volunteering, or spending quality time with family and friends.
The benefits of an active lifestyle
Engaging in social and productive activities that you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or volunteering in your community, can help maintain your well-being and independence as you age. An active lifestyle is more than just hitting your daily step quota. It includes doing activities that are meaningful to you, that are good for your mind, spirit, and body.
Studies have shown that adults with an active lifestyle :
- Are less likely to develop certain diseases. Participating in hobbies and other social activities may reduce the risk of developing a range of health problems, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
- Have a longer life expectancy. Studies that examine people's outlooks and how long they live show that happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are all linked to a longer life. Doing things you enjoy can help foster these positive feelings.
- Happier and less depressed. Studies show that adults who participate in activities that are meaningful to them, such as volunteering in their communities or exercising, say they feel happier and healthier.
- Better prepared to deal with life’s challenges in older age. When people feel happier and healthier, they are more likely to be resilient. Mental and physical resilience is linked to our ability to bounce back and recover from difficult situations. Positive emotions, optimism, physical and mental health, and a sense of purpose are all linked to resilience.
- They may be able to improve their thinking skills. Research suggests that engaging in certain activities, such as those that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity, may have a positive effect on memory—and the more varied these activities are, the better. Other studies are providing new information about ways in which creative activities, such as music or dance, can help adults with memory problems or dementia.
Find the right balance
Everyone has different limits on how much time they can spend on social or other activities. What's perfect for one person may be too much for another. You can start by adding one or two activities to your routine and see how you feel. You can always add more. Remember: participating in activities you enjoy should be fun, not stressful.
Activities to consider
There are many places to look for opportunities to engage in activities you enjoy, depending on your interests and abilities. Here are some ideas that might work for you. Some activities can be enjoyed even remotely using phones, computers, and other devices. Others can be done alone.
Connect with family and friends:
- Play cards or other games with friends face-to-face or online.
- Join group trips, hikes, and tours through the local council or municipality, such as a retirement group.
- Call friends and family, by phone or video chat.
- Go out to restaurants with your loved ones.
- Listen and share your favorite music with your family.
- Join a group interested in a specific hobby such as knitting, hiking, birdwatching, painting, or wood carving.
- Reconnect with old friends through your high school or university alumni association.
Learned something new:
- Take a cooking, art, dance, language, or computer class. Contact your local community college or library. Many places like these offer free or discounted classes for adults. You may even be able to find classes online.
- Create or join a book or movie club.
- Try yoga, tai chi, or another new exercise.
- Learn (or relearn) how to play a musical instrument.
- Visit local museums. Many offer free group tours and educational programs.
Become more active in your community:
- Visit a community center or senior center and take part in its events and activities.
- Serve meals or organize clothing donations for people in need.
- Run errands for people with mobility disabilities or limited access to transportation.
- Join a committee or help with activities at your synagogue.
- Volunteer at a school, library, museum, hospital, or animal shelter.
- Help with gardening at a community garden or park.
- Organize a park cleanup through your local community center or community association.
- Sing in a community choir group, or play in a local band or orchestra.
- Take part in a local theater group.
- Get a part-time job locally or check out online employment opportunities.
- Teach a favorite skill or craft, such as embroidery, photography, model building, chess, baking, woodworking, calligraphy, or quilting, to the new generation.
Get outside and start moving:
- Start a garden or flower bed (indoors or outdoors) or do other yard work.
- Take an exercise class or do exercises at home.
- Go dance.
- Join an adult sports club, such as a bowling club.
- Go for a walk or bike ride with a friend or neighbor.
- Take a swimming lesson.
- Play with your grandchildren. Teach them a game or dance that you remember from childhood.
- Take a walk in the neighborhood or on nature trails.
Adopt healthy habits to relieve stress:
- Read a good book, magazine, or newspaper.
- Practice gratitude and mindfulness.
- Practice tai chi or yoga.
- Cook your favorite healthy meal.
- Enjoy the little things, like a cup of coffee or a sunrise.
