Finding a new hobby is one of the best things to do during retirement.

When you’re in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, you start counting the years before retiring. Going to work daily can be exhausting, even if you are fortunate enough to do what you love. Yet for many, retirement comes, and they are left scratching their heads, wondering how to fill their time. Some retirees seek part-time employment, while others find new hobbies. But how do you find a hobby?

When you’re young, hobbies might include surfing or swimming in the ocean. Maybe you’re into reading or cooking. But while some of these hobbies remain when you get older, many want to find something new to explore. And it is so important to have hobbies, as sedentary habits, such as sitting and watching television all day (while definitely considered a hobby), aren’t the best for keeping our bodies or brains physically or mentally fit. 

Check out these benefits of finding a hobby during retirement:

• Having a hobby is good for your mental health.
• According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors who remain active or engaged in hobbies tend to have a better quality of life than those who don’t.
• Hobbies can be group-focused or solo; you get to choose. 
• There is no age limit to hobbies—if you enjoy charity walks, golfing, or rock collecting, then so be it—whatever interests you is what matters.
• Consider hobbies you wanted to explore when you were younger. You don’t have to give up on those interests just because you’re a bit older now.
• Include a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Being outside in nature is relaxing. It helps reduce stress, muscle tension, cortisol levels, and heart rate.

Maintain your social circle. 

Though there is nothing wrong with finding a hobby to do by yourself, don’t forget the importance of social interaction. Why not combine one of your outdoor hobbies with a friend network? Participate in a nearby walking club for seniors. Plan a picnic once a week with some friends you haven’t seen in a while. Whichever approach you take, maintaining your social circle has many benefits.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a quarter of adults 65 or older feel socially isolated. Further, check out the following alarming statistics from that same report:

• Social isolation increases your risk of premature death.
• When you fail to maintain those social connections, your risk of dementia increases by 50%.
• Social isolation or loneliness is associated with a 32% increased risk of stroke and a 29% increased risk of heart disease.
• Loneliness is correlated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
• Loneliness among heart failure patients is linked to almost a fourfold increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.

The fact is that people who are more connected to family and friends are typically happier, physically healthier, and live longer.

Things To Do During Retirement Near The Villages, Florida

Who says there aren’t fun things to do during retirement? We’re happy to say there are great options for retirees near The Villages. Check out these recommendations to help you develop a hobby, balance time indoors and outdoors, and grow your friendships.

1. Plan a day trip to Kennedy Space Center. Get your inner space and science nerd out and plan a day trip to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Gather some friends, schedule a tour, and purchase your tickets to make a day of it. Not into the space program? No worries. There are other great things to do near The Villages. 
2. Join a walking club. We know it can be harder to be active as we age. However, The Villages offers a variety of walking clubs for whatever distances suit your fancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults age 65 and older should walk 150 minutes weekly. And if you are up for it and your doctor approves, shoot for 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running. 
3. Sign up for an art class. Participating in theater, creative writing, painting, or dance can improve cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem. 
4. Participate in a book club. Reading stimulates brain activity and enhances mental health. As we age, this gets much more relevant, as keeping our brains engaged can lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. So gather some friends to join you or make new friends at a nearby book club.
5. Join a gym. We can’t stress enough how much physical activity benefits our health. And while walking is important, building muscle is too. The more lean muscle we have, the stronger our bodies are and the better our digestive system operates. Joining a gym is a great way to commit to physical health and meet new people. However, be sure to check with your doctor first on the best physical fitness plan for your specific health needs.
6. Keep up with your oral health. Sometimes, seniors mistakenly believe that they don’t need to worry about their oral health as much once they reach retirement. But this is far from the truth. We recommend that all retirees seek a dental home away from home that can provide the utmost dental care in a professional and caring environment.

Laurel Manor Dental wants to be your dental home away from home and help you find the best things to do during retirement.

Laurel Manor Dental is glad to be your dentist in The Villages, Florida. We specialize in dental care for seniors, and we want you to enjoy everything retirement offers. So request an appointment, and let’s discuss how to enjoy retirement and maximize your smile during your next professional dental cleaning and oral evaluation. We look forward to seeing you.