National Hobby Month: Why Seniors Should Try Hobbies
Everyone needs a hobby they can indulge in and enjoy. Even as you get older, know it’s never too late to start a new hobby or pick up one you loved as a kid.
January is National Hobby Month, making it the perfect time to find a new hobby. And you never know; you might fall in love with an activity you never expected!
How Partaking in Hobbies Benefits Seniors
A hobby can be any activity that you enjoy. Some hobbies are physical activities like golf or biking. Other hobbies can be more creative, like scrapbooking or painting. According to the National Institute on Aging, engaging in activities you enjoy as you age can provide many benefits, including:
- Socialization
- Boosted creativity
- Reduced risk of depression or loneliness
- Improved thinking and memory
- Improved physical health and physical abilities
- Overall better quality of life.
Fun Hobbies To Try In Grand Junction
You’re never too old to start a new hobby. If you’re looking for something fun and different to try this month, consider one of these top picks to explore in Grand Junction—they’re already fairly popular hobbies amongst your fellow neighbors!
Pickleball
Pickleball can be a relatively low-impact and medium-intensity sport and is generally considered a beginner’s activity, meaning it’s easy to learn.
If you’re new to pickleball, private lessons are a good way to learn the game. As you grow more confident in the sport, Grand Junction has indoor pickleball drop-in sessions where you can compete with other locals at the Bookcliff Activity Center.
Zumba
If you enjoy fitness and want a high-energy, fun, full-body workout, give Zumba a try. Zumba is a dance-inspired workout. You don’t need prior dance experience to try Zumba. It’s all about moving your body and having fun while listening to upbeat music.
There are certified Zumba classes and instructors through Grand Junction. You can find a class in most gyms, like Crossroads Fitness, which offers a Zumba Gold class specifically for their Silver Sneakers senior program.
Art
Those looking for a creative outlet may want to consider taking an art class. Art is not only great for creative expression, but it can also help with hand-eye coordination and maintaining fine motor skills.
A few art classes and workshops worth checking out in Grand Junction include:
- The Art Center offers various adult art classes, from drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media.
- The Palette offers painting classes for beginners. They provide all the necessary materials, so all you have to do is show up and get ready to paint!
- Angel’s Pottery Studio has various classes and events dedicated to teaching the art of pottery.
Gardening
Gardening is a relaxing activity that you can enjoy at home, regardless of your outdoor space. While it’s nice to have a yard to dedicate to gardening, you don’t need an outdoor area to have a garden. If you live in an apartment or condo, you can have a spice garden to grow fresh herbs or a concrete garden to grow tomatoes and other small fruits or vegetables.
If you want to connect with other gardeners in your area, you can join the Grand Junction Gardening group on Facebook.
Starting New Hobbies With Visiting Angels
Whether you need some motivation or an accountability buddy, Visiting Angels caregivers are here to help seniors find their favorite hobbies in the new year. Our caregivers enjoy helping clients find their passions through hobbies, and they often partake in them together, connecting them on deeper levels.
Contact our Grand Junction office to learn more about in-home care services with Visiting Angels.