By: Kayla Harris
As you get older, it’s easy to feel the effects of aging on your joints, mobility, and energy levels. You may feel mental effects as well, like diminished memory and even depression. However, just because you may not have the same body and mind as you did in your 20s does not mean that you can’t still have some fun!
Take control of your physical and mental health by engaging in activities that you enjoy. Let’s review just a few of the hobbies you should consider pursuing in your golden years.
Yoga for Balance and Strength
Another activity that has been around for centuries, while relatively new to Western culture, is the practice of yoga. Yoga is a uniquely personal physical activity, encouraging and allowing every person to go at their own pace and skill level. There are many whole-body benefits to yoga, which include balance, strength and flexibility. Balance becomes especially important as you age, because it helps reduce the risk of falling. According to the CDC, falling is the number one cause for fatal injury in older Americans. Yoga can help reduce that risk, in addition to the many other valuable physical results you will experience.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Just as yoga reduces the risk of falling, and thereby, extending your lifespan, simply spending time outdoors is shown to have the same life-prolonging effect. The scientific “why” is still largely unknown and debated, but it has been proven time and again that being outside in nature improves our happiness and well-being. There are many ways for you to enjoy the outdoors, ranging from gardening to simply taking a nature walk outside. If you are a little more adventurous, you can gather some friends and explore the great outdoors on a hike. Be sure to prioritize safety while you wander and explore. Utilize online reviews to find a high-quality waterproof backpack, and load it up with a first-aid kit, water, snacks and a map. Have fun hiking and enjoying all of nature’s beauty (and the benefits of doing so!).
Low-Impact Sports
While your rugby days may be long gone and it’s time to retire the soccer jersey, that does not mean that your days playing sports have to be over. Engaging in low-impact sports is a great way to exercise and improve your physical health. You can also experience mental benefits like stress-relief and better-quality sleep. Some great examples of low-impact sports are golf, bowling and tennis. In addition to improving your strength and mobility, you can enjoy these activities with others. Gather up some buddies to hit the golf course, or join a bowling league.
Dance Away Your Blues
A fun, low-impact activity to enjoy with others is dancing. From ballroom to the jitterbug, dancing has spanned the centuries and is enjoyed by cultures all over the world, and you are never too old to dance! In fact, as you age, you can reap great health benefits from cutting a rug. According to AgingCare, a 12-week study showed significant improvement in joint pain after participating in a low-impact dance program. In addition to potentially improving your physical health, you will have fun while reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Let the music take you over, and dance away those blues!
Whether it’s through competing in a favorite sport, dancing the night away, mastering your inner balance, or simply walking outside to explore the beauty of nature, you will begin to improve your overall physical and mental health. Take back your health in a fun and exciting way. After all, you’re never too old to have fun!
Photo Credit: pexels.com
Kayla Harris is the founder of Elderimpact. Her mission is to empower seniors against ageism by making handy the information they need to keep controlling their own lives.