Fun Activities for Seniors to Help You Make the Most of Your Retirement
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. In fact, with more time on your hands now that you’re not working, this is your chance to explore new interests and activities.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, stay healthy, or keep your mind sharp, there’s an activity out there for you. Browse our list of popular activities for seniors to get you started.
Top tips for seniors starting a new past time
Starting a new activity can be daunting. As a beginner, you have to be open to learning and accept that you might make mistakes.
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- Start small – you don’t have to commit fully to a new activity. Give it a couple of tries and if it’s not for you, that’s ok.
- Test out a few activities. It might take a while to find something you enjoy.
- Take a class or learn from an expert. A teacher can help you pick things up much faster than on your own. It can also help you avoid injury through improper technique.
- Consider a mix of activities that challenge you in different ways, indoors and outdoors, physical and mental.
- Don’t feel like you can only do activities with your spouse or partner. Having things you do separately can be good for your relationship. Of course, it’s also nice to have shared interests.
Activities for seniors
Take a class
Whether there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, or you just enjoy challenging yourself, taking a class is a great way to learn. And there are classes out there for just about anything. From short courses on flower arranging, computer skills, drawing or painting, to learning a language or even going (back) to university to gain a degree.
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Physical fitness is important at any age; health professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise, three times a week. You can work out by yourself at home, of course, but joining a gym or sporting club can help keep you accountable. Plus it’s a great way to make friends when you attend the same sessions each week.
Find a group for shared interests
If you enjoy a traditionally solo activity like walking, gardening or reading, consider joining a local club to meet people with the same interests. You can find groups on sites like MeetUp, or through Facebook, your local council, or community centres. And if you can’t find a local group, consider starting your own.
U3A (University of the Third Age) provides access to a range of activities just for seniors. Your low membership fee allows you to participate in volunteer-led classes at your local U3A community centre. Search online for the U3A community group closest to you.
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Think outside the box, or in this case, inside one. Online or console games can be a fun way to bond with the younger people in your life while challenging yourself and improving manual dexterity. There are so many different types of electronic games, so you’re sure to find some you enjoy. And don’t think you have to sit around all day. Nintendo’s Ring Fit and Wii offer games where you have to physically move to play, making it a fun way to stay fit.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to get out in the community and meet new people. There are so many organisations that rely on volunteers to operate; you might find yourself sorting donations at an op shop, cuddling cats at a shelter, being a guide for visitors, or mentoring young people.
You can browse volunteering opportunities online through sites such as Volunteering Victoria or Seek Volunteer, or by reaching out directly to charitable organisations such as The Salvation Army, Red Cross or similar.
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Just because you’ve retired doesn’t mean you have to stop work entirely. Plenty of seniors find it rewarding to continue working on a casual basis. It’s an ideal way to stay engaged, meet people, and earn some money. You might find casual work as a school crossing guard, waiter, library aid, administrative assistant or retail staff.
Just be aware of how paid work might affect any pension or other benefits you receive.
If you’re wanting to get out and enjoy your retirement, but finding you’re not able to move around as much as before, consider whether a mobility aid could help. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and walkers are designed to give you the support you need while maintaining your independence.
