The Best Hobbies to Keep the Elderly Busy

Updated on November 4, 2021

Most people spend their younger days working. When that isn’t the case anymore because of their age, it can be hard to know how to fill their days. After all, many elderly people don’t care much for watching TV or being on social media. 

Then, of course, there is the fact that certain activities may be unsafe to do once you reach a certain age. Luckily, there are a few great hobbies that can keep the elderly busy and entertained, so that their days aren’t too boring. Keep reading to learn what they are. 

Sewing

Sewing is a great hobby for elderly people because it is something that they can do in a group or by themselves. They can also constantly challenge themselves to try harder patterns. Sewing is relatively safe to do if the person has good eyesight and control of their hands.

However, as some elderly people struggle with that, sewing may lead to frustration rather than enjoyment. Don’t stress, there is a solution to this problem. Computerized sewing machines can make it much easier for the elderly to still be able to sew, without struggling as much.

Golf

It’s important for seniors to stay active. Of course, this may not be the case for everyone, but if someone is still able to be physically active despite their age, they should take advantage of that. 

Golf is a sport that many elderly people enjoy since it doesn’t place a lot of strain on their bodies. The main exercise that comes from golf is all the walking that goes along with it, but if that’s too much, the older person can be driven around on a golf course. 

Ultimately, golf is a relatively safe sport for the elderly, and it can be a lot of fun for them to get some fresh air and socialize.  

Reading

Reading is a great way to pass the time by getting sucked into another world, especially for someone who doesn’t enjoy watching TV. It can also be an affordable hobby for older people since they can join a library. 

If they struggle to read normal books, many libraries have sections of books that have a bigger font size, making it easier for people with visual ailments to read them. If that is still too hard, audiobooks are a great alternative. You can click here to learn about the best audiobook apps for Androids. 

Puzzles

Building puzzles is another great hobby for the elderly. Once again, this can be affordable, especially when they share puzzles with each other. 

Many older people miss the challenge of having to work, so puzzles can be a great way of challenging them safely. Puzzles can also help them keep their minds sharp as they age

Jigsaw puzzles are the most common type of puzzle for the elderly, but you can also get them puzzle books that are filled with things like crossword puzzles, sudoku, or other forms of word and number puzzles. 

+ posts

Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.