As we grow older, many of us discover that we have significantly more free time on our hands. As a result of our retirement or choosing to work part-time, many of us find ourselves with endless hours to spend with whatever we desire! It is especially vital for older adults to maintain a healthy level of physical and social activity. In addition to helping you avoid boredom and loneliness, it can also lower your risk of acquiring a variety of health issues. Finding a new activity or two to indulge in is the solution. We've compiled a list of our top 15 pastime suggestions to provide some inspiration for adults over the age of 50.

Sports are a good example.

As previously said, it is especially vital for elderly adults to maintain a healthy level of physical activity. According to the National Health Service, most persons over the age of 65 spend an average of 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down. As a result, those over the age of 65 are at greater risk of obesity and heart disease than the general population. The first of our pastime suggestions is an excellent method to mitigate these dangers!

There are a variety of activities that you can participate in to help you keep active, no matter what your current fitness level or experience is. Sports may also be a wonderful social activity, bringing you closer to the individuals you already know while also facilitating the meeting of new people.

Here are some of the most popular sports for older adults, organized by age groups.

Walking Football is a type of football that is played on the ground.
Swimming.\sSquash.\sGolf.

Sport is not only beneficial to our physical well-being, but it is also beneficial to our mental well-being as well. Of course, more than anything else, participating in sports is tremendously enjoyable! The game provides a weekly highlight for anybody who participates in it, whether they are members of a club or simply playing a social game with their friends.

2. Exercise and Fitness Activities

Sports may not be your cup of tea, but that's perfectly acceptable. There are a variety of alternative options for getting some exercise, meeting new people, and taking care of your health. Here are some terrific fitness hobby ideas for people of all fitness levels, including beginners and advanced athletes:

Hiking.

Walking.

Nordic walking is a type of walking that takes place on a Nordic track.

Cycling.

Going to the gym is something I enjoy doing.

Yoga in a chair.

Fitness sessions and groups are available.

Nordic walking is beneficial to your health as well as your social life, as you can see here. Nordic walking is a full-body exercise that was initially used as a summer training regimen for cross-country skiers. It may be done anywhere and at any time. Nordic Walking is defined as follows by the National Health Service:

Ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels, this full-body exercise is light on the joints and is suitable for everyone. Using specially built walking poles in a manner that harnesses the strength of the upper body to propel you ahead as you walk is the foundation of the technique.

Different sessions are available, including mild walks for those who are ill or who have other health concerns. Workout walks are also available for individuals who want to enhance their fitness, lose weight, or tone their body, among other things. When you walk with Nordic poles, you are removing the strain from your knees and lower body joints. Nordic walking has been shown to lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. Taking part in Nordic walking clubs will also allow you to meet new individuals. This can aid in the improvement of your social life as well as the reduction of loneliness. On the Nordic Walking UK website, you may discover a local instructor if Nordic walking is something you're interested in learning more about.

Before participating in any sporting or fitness activity, it's crucial to be aware of your own body's capabilities and limitations. Before beginning any new workout regimen, you should consult with your doctor, particularly if you are experiencing problems with your muscles, joints, or bones.

Gardening is a third option.

Gardening has a variety of advantages for senior citizens. It is possible to become addicted to gardening after you have mastered the art of it! It's difficult to beat the feeling of accomplishment that comes from planting a seed and seeing it grow. Intense gardeners will want to fill their gardens (and even their windowsills!) with the most beautiful flowers and plants, cut their lawns in a perfect and orderly pattern, and perhaps even cultivate a few fruits and veggies in their backyards.

Consider the following, which are just a few of the mental and physical advantages of spending time in the garden:

Stress levels are being reduced.

A sense of accomplishment.

Getting outside and breathing in some fresh air.

Providing assistance in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Having the ability to give nutritious and healthy food

Getting out and about and staying active during the day, rather than sitting down all day, is beneficial to our health. Even two 50-minute sessions of potting plants and watering flowers can significantly increase stamina, dexterity, and overall brain function, according to a 2015 study. Furthermore, after seven weeks, all of the study participants had lost weight, with the majority of the weight loss occurring around their waists, which is one of the most risky areas of the body for fat storage. Gardening is one of the most popular activity ideas for older adults, and it's not difficult to see why! If you're a newbie, check out these suggestions from professional guest blogger Alexandra, who is the proprietor of The Middle-Sized Garden blog and YouTube channel, on how to get started in gardening.

4. Participation in video games

The rise of the silver gamer has been one of the most exciting stories to break recently in the news. That's correct, more people over the age of 55 are playing video games now than they have ever been.

According to a survey conducted in 2019, 42 percent of British adults aged 55 to 64 have played video games in the last five years. For those over the age of 65 in the United Kingdom, the figure was an outstanding 27 percent. It isn't simply game consoles that are affected. According to a recent article from the Telegraph, one in every four over-65s is now using their smartphones to play video games.

Gaming is a terrific source of amusement and, like the most of our activity suggestions, it allows you to meet new people. A large number of games allow you the opportunity to compete against your friends, either online or in real-time. Additionally, you have the option of playing versus strangers online and chatting with individuals from all over the world. Playing computer games also provides a stimulating challenge for the brain. According to a 2015 study, 3D computer games may be beneficial in preventing memory decline.

Our favorite games include the following:

Player's form horizontal or vertical chains of at least three gems of the same color in the Bejewelled card game. This is accomplished simply swapping diamonds around on the screen.

Wii Sports - This is a video game console that allows you to play sports. This game, which is available for the Nintendo Wii, makes use of motion-capture technology. Maintain control of the controller and do the sport as you would in real life: swing a golf club, throw a punch in a boxing ring, or toss a strike in bowling!

Brain Training - These games will test your mental abilities and get you to think critically. Players will be required to answer questions as well as solve difficult riddles and puzzles.

Age of Empires is one of the most popular strategy game franchises in the world, with over 100 million players worldwide. Games are based on historical epochs such as the Stone Age and the Iron Age.

Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. is one of the most well-known video games of all time. This game will bring hours of fun as well as plenty of opportunities for puzzle-solving opportunities.

5. The use of social media

The world has been taken by storm by social media. However, it is becoming increasingly popular among individuals of all ages, particularly the younger population. This phenomena has also risen to become one of the most popular hobbies on our list of fun and interesting things to do as a pastime. According to the Office of Communications, 58 percent of persons between the ages of 55 and 64 will have a social media profile by 2020. For those above the age of 65, the figure is 39 percent.

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, millions of people across the United Kingdom have relied on social media to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away.

Popular social media services such as Facebook, Zoom, and WhatsApp are extremely beneficial for older individuals, particularly those who live alone or far away from family. A large number of younger individuals are now choosing to relocate away from their childhood hometown, whether to attend university or for employment opportunities. As a result, the older generations may be left behind from time to time, making it difficult for them to maintain frequent contact with their relatives. In these types of situations, social media comes to the rescue, allowing people to re-connect with their family and friends, both locally and across the globe.

Best Social Media Platforms for Seniors (Age 65 and Up)

Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to connect with and reconnect with friends and pages. It enables users to send instant messages to friends and family, as well as share images, videos, and status updates, among other things.

Zoom is the most popular live video-calling platform on the market. It enables people to video chat with their friends and family members all around the world. Take advantage of one-on-one conversations or gather the entire family in a group call.

WhatsApp is a free instant messaging and telephone calling service for mobile phones that does not need the use of voice minutes or text messages.

Twitter - You can follow anybody you want and see the things that interest you the most. Share your views and opinions with those who are interested in them, all in a tweet of 280 characters or less!

Instagram is a social media platform for sharing images. Make sure to share photographs of what you are passionate about with your followers, whether they are friends, family, or individuals that have similar interests to yours.

Being an expert on social media is arguably the most impressive of all the older activities on this list, and it will most likely impress the grandchildren the most!

6. Preparing a meal

Cooking a meal from scratch may provide a tremendous sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Cooked dinners may bring friends and family together in a comfortable setting. In the end, everyone likes to brag about how delicious their grandmother's Sunday supper was! However, it is not only the social benefits of cooking that are vital to consider. Cooking our own food is also beneficial to our overall health. We are all aware of the significance of maintaining a good diet, but did you realize that cooking at home can also benefit your mental health? We understand that cooking for yourself might get more difficult as you get older - which is why we've compiled a list of the most important kitchen safety precautions.

If you aren't already a skilled cook, there are a few simple steps you may take to get your feet wet. Make a simple meal plan, experiment with healthy recipes, and learn about new foods from all over the world by following these tips. Instead of going out to eat, ordering takeout, or purchasing processed ready meals, prepare your own healthy foods in your own kitchen. If you or someone you live with is a passionate gardener, why not include some of their product into your meals and recipes? After all, everyone needs to eat, therefore this might be one of the most practical hobby ideas on our list. Cooking your own food can help you save money, improve your health, and offer you a significant boost in self-esteem.

Enter the kitchen and produce some wholesome, delectable delights! Why not take a look at the BBC Good Food website for recipe inspiration?

Jigsaw puzzles are number seven on the list.

One of the most entertaining and engaging pastime ideas for older adults is a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle, which can be found in a variety of stores and online. Many other types of puzzles are available for you to choose from, such as actual images and cartoons as well as paintings and other backdrops.

Thousands of different sizes and difficulty levels are available, ranging from 24 pieces to a super-difficult 5000 pieces. The best thing about puzzles is that they don't have to be completed in one sitting; you can take a break and return to them whenever it is convenient for you. This can provide hours, days, or even weeks of entertainment.

Brands of jigsaw puzzles that are well-known include:

Ravensburger - Ravensburger is a puzzle company that offers entertaining puzzles for youngsters as well as serious, demanding puzzles for adults. This company also sells 3D puzzles, which are quite popular.

Jan Van Haasteren - The exciting, chaotic scenes that Jan Van Haasteren has created for these challenges are the focus of the game. Throughout the collection, there are small surprises to be found.

Wasgij - Something a little off of the ordinary. Using the clue provided on the box, you must construct an alternate scene to complete the puzzle. Wasjig is also jigsaw spelled backwards, which is amusing!

3D puzzles bring a whole new level of difficulty to this age-old pastime. As an alternative to piecing together a two-dimensional snapshot, you'll construct three-dimensional constructions. Put together puzzles to re-create some of the world's most well-known locations. The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Tower Bridge are just a few examples. There are also 3D puzzles for sports aficionados, including replicas of famous football stadiums and numerous Formula One automobiles.

Any type of puzzle will provide a fantastic workout for your brain, assisting in the maintenance of cognitive function and the promotion of healthy ageing. This is especially essential for older individuals, as research suggests that it can help postpone or prevent the onset of dementia in some cases.

Reading (number 8)

Who doesn't like a nice book from time to time? This may be the most traditional entry on our list of activity ideas for older adults because it is the most well-known. Whatever your age (65 or 25), a good book can bring hours of enjoyment for days on end.

The fact that there are so many distinct genres to pick from ensures that there is something to suit every taste. In order to find inspiration, fiction fans just need to go no further than the current bestsellers list. There are a plethora of autobiographies available for followers of television and sports. It is difficult to top Stephen King's work when it comes to horror fiction.

The following are this year's best-selling novels (so far):

The Thursday Murder Club is a television series created by Richard Osman (of BBC Pointless fame!)

Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet is a work of fiction.

Delia Owens' novel Where the Crawdads Sing is set in the Caribbean.

Shuggie Bain is a fictional character created by Douglas Stuart.

Matt Haig's novel The Midnight Library is set in the future.

Of all, these days, you don't even need a physical copy of a book to read it in its entirety. In addition to print books, most titles are also available as electronic books that may be read on a smartphone, tablet, or e-reader device. Despite the fact that the majority of people prefer to read from a real book, according to this survey, E-Books make reading easier and faster. Additionally, they will take up significantly less room on your shelf!

Reading is one of our favorite pastime ideas because of the vast range of benefits it provides to its participants. It can assist in improving memory, sharpening decision-making skills, reducing tension, and assisting people in falling asleep much more quickly. Reading before bed is a good idea because it helps you sleep much better at night than watching television late at night.

9. Become proficient in the use of a musical instrument.

This is one of the hobbies ideas that most of us have considered at some time in our lives, out of all of them. How many people have a childhood dream of being a famous musician when they were young? Despite the fact that you are unlikely to be selling out stadiums any time soon, music is an incredibly enjoyable activity for people of all ages. Furthermore, there are other instruments to choose from, including the guitar, drums, piano, saxophone, and violin.

In addition to providing an exciting mental challenge, learning a new skill is beneficial in the fight against dementia and cognitive decline. During the learning process, you will also improve your time management and organizing abilities, since you will be required to devote your full attention and time to it if you are to make any progress.

In addition, your hand-eye coordination will develop as your brain works to convert the musical notes that you are reading on the paper into particular hand gestures, breathing methods, and rhythms that you can perform.

Of course, it goes without saying that learning to play a musical instrument is a lot of fun! If you decide to join a band when you're ready, you may find yourself making new pals.

Model Construction (No. 10)

We believe this is one of the more out-of-the-box pastime suggestions on our list. Even if you don't have to leave your house to do it, model building can become a dangerously addicting activity. It can be beneficial to improve your dexterity, coordination, and patience by assembling some of your favorite automobiles or planes. According to Model Space, you may also be able to gain knowledge of the following skills:

Researching.

Planning.

Cutting.

Drilling.

Sculpting.

Sanding.

Glueing.

Painting.

Detailing.

Photography.

Model making can be a wonderful stress-relieving activity. You can shut yourself away in your own personal assembly space to work entirely on your latest project, freeing your mind of any concerns or anxieties that may arise during the course of your day.

The hobby of model construction is also a wonderful activity to engage in with your grandchildren. You may work together to complete your projects, improving your relationship while also teaching them the benefits of effective teamwork.

Finally, there is nothing that can compare to the sense of accomplishment that you will feel once your current endeavor is completed. After you have finished building your model, you may take a step back and admire it before adding it to your collection - perhaps on a model car shelf?

Bird-watching is number eleven on the list.

There are numerous advantages to participating in birding activities. Along with the opportunity to travel across the country and maybe around the world, you will also have the opportunity to observe some of the most fascinating animals on the planet.

Birdwatching combines the benefits of several of the hobby concepts we've discussed, including physical activity, learning something new, and spending time outdoors in natural settings. Being outside is beneficial to your mental health since it enhances your mood while also providing you with a quiet space to think about things. Indulging in birdwatching provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect or to simply zone out and imagine soothing things. Not only that, but your body will also benefit from the vitamin D provided by the sun and the fresh air you will be breathing all day.

Your reflexes and mental attentiveness will also increase as a result of this treatment. A birdwatcher must always be prepared to pounce with their binoculars or camera when they see a bird they want to see. In the blink of an eye, a bird can appear and go from sight. Birdwatchers must maintain their alertness in order to pick up on any signs that a bird may be in the vicinity.

Most of the time, you'll be going for hours and miles, or even ascending and hiking up mountains, in order to spot a specific species of bird. This delivers an excellent cardiovascular workout that is beneficial to both your heart and overall health and well-being.

Pets are number twelve.

Taking care of a pet might easily be considered a recreational activity. Having a pet can give you with a friendly companion as well as someone to direct your attention to throughout the day. It is beneficial to have a dog while you live alone since it will help to alleviate any emotions of boredom or loneliness that you may be experiencing.

A sense of responsibility is instilled in you by your pets. You are aware of the fact that you must feed them, walk them, clean them, and keep them safe from any potential hazards in the home and outside the home and the outer world. A large number of people, particularly elderly people, find considerable satisfaction in providing care for others. When children grow up and leave home, having a pet may be a wonderful way to help fill the void left by their absence.

Pet stroking has been shown to lower the level of stress-related hormones in the bloodstream, according to scientific studies. Furthermore, your canine companion will be just as comfortable as you are! Currently, there are animal shelters all throughout the country that are overflowing with four-legged friends who are looking for loving homes. Adopting a pet is a wonderful deed that provides numerous rewards to the recipient.

Traveling is number thirteen.

Why not take some time away from your regular routine to travel across the world? It is possible that traveling will allow you to cross off a number of items from your bucket list.

Perhaps you'll travel to the United States to take a road trip along Route 66? Alternatively, travel to Australia's outback and experience its rugged beauty.

Before you go for your trip, make sure you've arranged for the necessary insurance and immunizations, and remember to keep your home safe while you're away.

14. Community Organizations

Loneliness is one of the most difficult issues that older people have to deal with. Friends and family members may move away, and older persons may be forced to live on their own. It's critical to maintain contact with friends and family members; after all, loneliness can lead to health complications. While it is possible to live alone without feeling lonely, it is not recommended.

Fortunately, there are numerous community groups available that are based on a wide range of diverse interests and hobbies. Here are a few of the most prevalent groups that may be found all around the United States:

Arts and crafts for those who are just starting out.

Board game cafes and organizations are popping up all over the place.

Yoga and other forms of exercise are recommended.

cooking workshops for those with varying levels of expertise.

Coffee mornings are a tradition.

Choirs.

Dancing.

Book clubs are a great way to meet new people.

Sporting organizations.

Joining a group like this can introduce you to other people who have similar interests and who live in the same neighborhood. You can meet new people and fill your calendar with fascinating activities and social events – all of which are beneficial for building a strong social network of friends. It's possible that you'll learn something new about yourself from the people you meet. Despite the fact that the pandemic is still ongoing, many of these community groups have relocated their operations online. You may try looking for a Zoom-based book club or exercise class on the internet.

Adult Education (n.d.)

Joining an adult learning course, like the community groups we discussed before, can provide significant social benefits:

Meeting new people who share your interests is a great way to start a conversation.

Meeting new people and exchanging stories.

Throughout the instructional course, students can share advice and recommendations with one another.

Learning new abilities at a college or university helps to keep the brain in good working order. According to an article in The Guardian, research conducted by the Alzheimer's Society found that education could help to delay the onset of dementia.

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, you may enroll in a class that is connected to one of the hobbies that we've already discussed in this article. Cooking, gardening, computers, and a variety of other hobbies are all taught in a variety of settings in most towns and cities.

Learning a new skill and passing exams provides you a tremendous sense of accomplishment, just like preparing a delicious meal in the kitchen does for you. Maintaining a busy and active lifestyle is essential in the battle against loneliness.

To find out what courses are offered, go to the website of a local college or university. You may find a variety of courses online to help you keep safe at home during the coronavirus outbreak. There are also a variety of talents that you can learn at your leisure at home.