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National Hobby Month

Did you resolve to start a new hobby in the new year? Well that’s perfect, because January is National Hobby Month.

Many of us may find that we have more time on our hands as we get older, and picking up a new hobby may be a great use of this extra time.

One option could be a practical hobby, such as cooking and gardening, which are great for boosting self-esteem by giving a sense of achievement and pride.

Another option would be leisure hobbies like reading and playing games that help to keep the brain active, therefore reducing the risk of mental decline. Most importantly, your new hobbies should be a whole lot of fun!

Practical Ideas:

1. Virtual fitness classes for seniors – If you are interested in getting physically fit, but have no interest in going to the gym, YouTube.com has lots of free options for fitness classes.
2. Gardening – Gardening during the winter, you may wonder? Well, yes! Some people keep indoor herb gardens and house plants all year long.
3. Cooking – Baking has become a favorite hobby of many people who have been stuck at home over the past year. Try baking a new bread or confection that you haven’t attempted in the past!

Leisure Ideas:

1. Gaming – Puzzling and crosswords are great, but if you are interested in something new, a recent trend has been the rise of the senior gamer: people above age 55 who are picking up video games, tablets and smart phones and enjoying the mental stimulation of virtual and online games!
2. Social Media – Keep tabs on the family by joining Facebook, Zoom, Twitter, Instagram, or WhatsApp. Ask your family and friends what social media platforms they prefer and join the conversation! Share pictures or videos of what you have been up to, and enjoy the feeling of connection.

Having a hobby or two is great! Which hobbies could improve your life in a meaningful way?