5 Things Every Senior Needs to Try Once

When older adults enter retirement, they often find themselves having far more time on their hands than they once did. While the responsibilities of their careers and raising children kept them busy, retirement is a great time for these folks to focus on themselves and rediscover what they truly love to do.

If you’re a recent retiree and a new assisted living resident, there are many incredible benefits to explore in this new chapter of your life! It’s time to try all the activities and skills you never had time for but were always curious about. Here are five fun and fulfilling experiences to make your retirement a joy:

1. Take an Art Class

Most people have much more artistic talent than they give themselves credit for. But even then, you don’t have to be the next Picasso to reap the benefits of creative expression! Taking an art class is undoubtedly worth it, whether you want to work on specific skills like painting and drawing or just experiment for fun.

Spending time with different colors, textures, and mediums in an art class setting can also be a very therapeutic and enjoyable experience. You can create pieces as gifts for your loved ones or decorations for your home to celebrate your new skills!

2. Try a New Sport

Maintaining an exercise routine is one of the best things you can do for your health and longevity as an older adult. The CDC recommends that adults over 65 get at least 2.5 hours of exercise every week! Regular workouts can reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and create positive, long-lasting physical and mental health effects. 

Consider trying out a new sport to meet your exercise recommendations and have some fun along the way. Activities like pickleball, golf, bowling, and swimming are effective forms of exercise that don’t require too much muscular strength, endurance, or mobility. On top of that, participating in team sports can be a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends!

3. Start a Book Club

Maybe you’ve been eyeing that book on your shelf for months, even years, but have never found the time to pick it up. No judgment here! Life can get busy, but now that you’re free to enjoy yourself in your assisted living community, you can finally read the book (or list of books!) you’ve wanted to try.

You can even consider joining a book club in your community or starting one of your own. Many people are more motivated to read when they have friends to discuss a book with!

4. Join a Club

On the subject of clubs, there’s no better way to enjoy retirement than to get involved in a club. Socializing is more than just a fun activity and a way to feel connected to others. It can significantly affect your mental and physical health as you age. 

Whatever your interests may be, there’s most definitely a club for you to join. Walking clubs, book clubs, cooking clubs, the list goes on. And remember, even if you can’t find the perfect social group for your preferences, you can always start your own! 

5. Spend a Day in Nature

Take a second to ask yourself: When was the last time you spent the day taking in the natural beauty of the outdoors? Carving out a whole day for a nature-filled excursion can be difficult when balancing work and family, but you can live out your adventuring dreams in retirement with plenty of time to spare. 

Take a look at the hiking trails and nature reserves near you. Choose an option that’s right for your fitness level, bring some friends or family members along for a picnic lunch, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors!

Live to the Fullest During Your Retirement

The time is now to live the life you’ve been dreaming of. Explore all the activities your senior living facility offers and try something new today! You’re sure to make some fantastic memories along the way.