Many individuals experience life after 60 as a new phase with many changes. Becoming retired and not having the same childcare responsibilities you once had can leave you with a lot of spare time. When you have spent your entire adulthood working or raising children, it can be challenging to make this transition and keep yourself from feeling lost and restless.
There are many benefits to having hobbies at any age, but for those over 60, it becomes especially important to keep your mind and body busy.
Keeping Your Mind Working
Just because you don’t have to wake up and go to work each day, doesn’t mean your mind stops working. Keeping your mind busy will help you avoid any negative thoughts and feelings that can come with this change in your life.
As individuals get older they can find themselves with a reduced sense of purpose. This can come from retirement or increases in physical limitations. Adopting hobbies that you enjoy can give you something to look forward to each week, and help you feel like your day-to-day life has purpose.
Seniors that live alone, especially after decades of living with a spouse and family, can very easily start to feel lonely and isolated. If you have recently moved into a retirement community, you may have had to leave your neighbors behind. The good news is that these communities are filled with people in very similar situations as you are.
Most retirement communities offer activities and entertainment which allow you to participate in a hobby and also meet new people.
There is no age limit on learning a new skill or making a lifestyle change, and there is no better time to try new things than while you’re in retirement. Many seniors fall victim to depression and stress during this transition in their lives, so it is important to focus on the positive aspects of retirement and find ways to build a new routine.
New hobbies can allow you to take pride in the work you are doing and what you learn. If you have always wanted to take up pottery, watching your skills improve over time will give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Get Your Body Moving
The transition from working every day to not at all is drastic for your mind, but also for your body. Even if you did not have a physical job, your routine likely involved more movement than you find yourself doing naturally now.
Physical activity will also help improve your mood. Consider hobbies that involve exercising as a way to acquire multiple benefits at the same time. For example, joining a walking group is a great way to get your body moving, as well as meet new people and experience new places. There are lots of groups that go for walks in parks and on trails right in your area. You can also propose the idea to your friends or retirement community as a way to get to know them better.
Life after 60 is a great time to learn a new physical activity, and there are many options with varying degrees of difficulty to choose from. Joining a workout class such as pilates or water aerobics could be more entertaining if walks are not very appealing to you.
Continued Growth
As you enter this time in your life it is normal to feel some anxiety and stress about parts of your past that you miss. It is important to remember that while this is a new phase in your life, that does not mean you are finished growing and learning. Everyone has an opportunity for personal growth and self-development, and this phase is just as good as any to start.
Bio: Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
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