Gone are the days when retirement meant sitting by the sidelines watching the years pass by. Today’s older adults are using the free time they’ve gained in retirement to do activities they love or to learn a new hobby or skill. More are staying active well into their golden years, and with so many fun activities to try, there’s no excuse for boredom during retirement.
Being part of a senior living community brings its advantages, including the plethora of activities offered. No matter your interests or activity level, you’re sure to find something of interest in a senior living community. Snyder Village in Metamora, IL, staffs three distinct activity teams for each level of care on campus, guaranteeing that every resident has activity options to fit his/her interests. Whether you live in a senior living community or in your own home, below are several fun activity ideas to occupy your time.
1). Join a Club
These days, it’s easy to find a club of like-minded people who enjoy the same activities you do. There are bird-watching clubs, card clubs, walking clubs, book clubs, gardening clubs, and eating-out clubs, just to name a few. Ed Kouri and Dick Garber, residents at the Snyder Village Retirement Community, recently started a bicycle club for residents. The “Holy Rollers” welcome unicycles, bicycles, and tricycles to join them for a ride every Saturday morning, and residents have been enjoying this new active way of getting social. “We started the club to help get people outside and exercising. It also builds community and allows for socializing,” explains Ed.
2). Get Creative
For many, the more peaceful years of retirement can expose newfound creativity. Art classes are a great way to bring out the inner artist and let the creative juices flow. Take a class to try your hand at painting, drawing, or photography. Many residents at Snyder Village enjoy the art classes offered all around campus, and many have discovered a talent they never knew they possessed!
Crafting is another enjoyable way to pass the time and express your creativity. Making jewelry, scrapbooking, knitting, embroidery, woodcraft, and ceramics are all enjoyable options to try, which can result in learning a new skill and creating a beautiful new keepsake.
3). Get Active
Not only do group exercise classes like yoga and tai chi improve flexibility and balance to help prevent falls, they’re also a fun way to stay social with others. Many senior living communities offer chair exercise classes or more advanced classes to help residents stay active and healthy. A favorite class currently offered at Snyder Village is ball drumming, which gets the heart rate up while drumming to a great beat. Other specialized classes can be found through local gyms, community centers, and park districts. Many of these organizations also provide fun sporting opportunities, such as golf, tennis, pickle ball, bowling, shuffleboard, bocce, billiards, horseshoes, and more.
4). Learn Something
For those who love to learn, taking educational classes is a great way to get involved and stay mentally engaged. Many senior living communities bring speakers to campus to provide on-site learning experiences, and other times, the community arranges to take residents to a museum, college, or organization for a tour or class. Many universities, colleges, and museums also offer lecture series or continuing education classes in which older adults can get involved.
5). Get Social
Attending parties and social gatherings can be a sure-fire way to add some fun into life. Visiting with others, reminiscing, and sharing stories can quickly elevate your mood. Opportunities to gather with others can be found at community centers, churches, and social clubs. If you are part of a senior living community, socialization options are easy to find. “We have luncheons, coffee hour, special events like birthday parties and a Mother’s Day tea, and soon we’re going to have our first annual art gala,” says Jerra Withers, Activity Director at Snyder Village Retirement Community. “There are always opportunities to socialize.”
6). Let the Music Play
Whether a music aficionado or a casual listener, music can be enjoyed by all. Playing an instrument, singing, or listening to music are wonderful ways to pass the time and lift the spirits. Local theaters and concert venues offer shows to appeal to all musical tastes, and many senior living communities bring live music right to their residents by hosting concerts on campus. Residents at Snyder Village recently enjoyed concerts from the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band and the Central Illinois Banjo Club, both of which had Snyder Village residents performing as members of the band.
If you’re feeling bored and uninspired, you don’t have to search far for an exciting activity or a new hobby to try. Taking part in a fun activity not only improves the mood, but can enhance creativity, mental sharpness, and physical ability. No matter what your age, taking time to play is an important ingredient to a happy life.
Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments. Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus. Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties. For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or Contact Us.
