Life gets busy when you're working and raising a family, so finding time for hobbies isn't always easy. As an older adult, you have more time to figure out what interests you. Some ideas to get you started include:
Think back to past experiences or interests you've had if you're not sure where to start. Testing out different hobbies gives you an idea of how much you'll enjoy them.
Helping others can make your life feel more exciting. You can see the direct impact you're having on your community. With so many organizations and causes available, it's possible to find a volunteer opportunity that fuels your passion. If you're an animal lover, you might volunteer at an animal shelter. You can help make shelter life a little easier for your new furry friends while finding joy in the interactions. If you're a retired teacher, you might enjoy volunteering at a local school or becoming a mentor for young people. If strengthening your faith makes you feel more vibrant, embrace volunteer opportunities at your local church.
Bible study helps you connect with other seniors of faith and feel closer to God. Studying the word of God can make life feel more vibrant and help you find hope in all situations. Being part of an established Bible study group with other seniors allows you to join a community and learn more about scripture. If you feel confident organizing a group yourself, you might create a new Bible study group and invite your friends and neighbors to join. Taking on a leadership role is often fulfilling and lets you share your faith with others.
LifeStream at North Phoenix offers many ways to stay active and keep from getting bored. The walking paths let you get in some exercise or take a walk with friends. You can join the many scheduled activities each month to meet your neighbors and stay engaged. Or tag along on the local shopping trips offered by the community with scheduled transportation provided. Taking advantage of the options helps you stay entertained while socializing and feeling a stronger connection to the community.
The Phoenix Public Library system offers a lot more than books to keep you busy. Your library card gives you access to music, movies, ebooks and even a seed library. Patrons can use a Culture Pass through the library that offers two free passes to several local spots, such as the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum. Check out the library's calendar of educational events and groups for additional ways to fend off boredom.
It's easy to settle into a routine in retirement. Routines can help you feel accomplished and make it easier to remember the things you need to do. However, you might not take advantage of as many fun, spontaneous activities if you stick to your schedule too much. Making a bucket list of things you want to do can spark ideas when you're feeling bored. You might start with local attractions and activities you can do on a whim. You can include larger trips or accomplishments, too. Looking at your bucket list can get you excited about life and encourage you to plan bigger trips and activities.
Exercise is an important part of living a vibrant life. Staying active as you get older might mean making some modifications to accommodate changing mobility issues. Try different options, such as walking, swimming and senior exercise classes, to discover options you enjoy and that work with your physical condition.
Spending time with others can also help you feel vibrant and energized. Living at LifeStream at North Phoenix means you're surrounded by other older adults, which can make it easier to build connections. Organize get-togethers with your friends to enjoy regular socialization. Joining a senior center or social group is another option. It's also important to maintain contact with family members. If your family doesn't live nearby, plan regular video chats to keep the bonds strong.
Your formal school days might be well in the past, but learning never stops. Your extra time in retirement could give you a chance to learn about a topic that interests you. Learning can come in many ways, both formal and informal. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Arizona State University offers non-credit courses for adults 50 and older for a $20 membership fee each semester. This opportunity is an affordable way to explore various topics with college-level learning. You can also self-teach with online resources and books.
