As you begin to enjoy retirement living, you certainly have heard about the health benefits of staying active and engaged. What you may not know is that there are benefits of continuing to pursue (or discover new) hobbies that might truly surprise you.
Research has come a long way in the 21st century in proving how pursuits beyond just eating well and getting exercise can make a significant difference in the health of today’s seniors.
Hobbies for Seniors Create Happiness and Joy
According to the National Institute on Aging, one of the most significant obstacles to physical and mental wellness in retired seniors is isolation. Whether you live alone or you and your spouse live a solitary lifestyle, isolation is a key driver of loneliness. Loneliness is widely known to increase feelings of depression or anxiety, which can have a negative impact on many other aspects of your health.
Whatever your hobbies or passions are, it’s important to pursue what makes you happy. Actively engaging in activities you find meaningful creates a sense of purpose. And purpose creates joy!
Consider sharing your talents with others. Perhaps you love to knit or build furniture. Why not consider inviting friends and family to join you in a regular get-together to learn how to do what you are already good at! Many thriving nonprofit organizations got their start as a way “to keep busy” during one’s retirement years. Take a look at these two inspiring stories:
From The Heart Stitchers started in Richmond, Virginia, in 2001 as one woman’s need to keep busy when recovering from surgery. By 2022, this organization of over 100 volunteer knitters has provides hats, blankets and more to several area hospitals, medical centers and homeless shelters for people of all ages.
Nick Margaritonda of Gainesville, Florida, was looking for a way to keep busy after retirement that would satisfy his need to be creative. When a family member suggested he create cornhole boards, he said “Why not?” Not only was a business born, but Nick filled his own need to be productive, saying “I loved working with my hands, and I loved tangible things.”
Make a Lasting Difference in Your Local Community
Some people might not consider themselves “crafty,” but they love to help others and support their community. Now more than ever, local organizations such as Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, and local food banks are hungry for volunteers.
For many of us, giving back to our community creates endless benefits of selfless well-being. If it has been a while since you’ve helped out on a local level, take a look at the following nonprofit organizations in the Gainesville area that would welcome your time and talents.
Active Engagement Improves Mental Well-being
One of the great benefits of living in a senior living community is realizing that your talents are welcome and truly appreciated. Here at The Village at Gainesville, we have benefited beyond measure from the input, creativity and leadership of our residents. Take a look at a few examples:
- Our residents have been key drivers of program enhancements and regular updates to our Vitality Program, and they have been our best ambassadors to encourage new residents to become more active. Their feedback, leadership and coaching skills have made a remarkable difference.
- Our unique Legacy Referral Program rewards The Village at Gainesville residents who refer someone who moves into The Village with a donation of $250 in their name to a specified local charity. Many thousands of dollars have been donated over the past 10 years to local charities from residents of The Village at Gainesville.
- The Village at Gainesville has impressive community gardens. But you want to know who is really in charge? The residents themselves! Our talented grounds and maintenance team realized early on that the gardens belong to the residents, so decisions needed to go through them first! Ask any groundskeeper and they’ll tell you clearly – the gardens belong to the residents!
Whether you want to help grow our expanding library, teach other residents how to become more adept at using social media, or just help newcomers feel welcome, there’s always a way to help others. And we welcome every talent you may offer.
Take a Walk and Give Your Heart Some Love
February is American Heart Month, a time when each of us can focus on our cardiovascular health.The American Heart Association has plenty of information and inspiring tips for how to take small steps to make a big difference.The simplest way to get moving and improve your health is to start walking. It’s free, easy, and can be done just about anywhere, even indoors.
Any amount of movement is better than none. You can even break up your walking goals into short bouts of activity throughout the day. Taking a brisk walk for five or 10 minutes a few times a day will add up.
If you have a chronic condition or disability, talk with your health care provider about what types and amounts of physical activity are right for you before making too many changes. But don’t wait! Get started today by simply sitting less and moving more, whatever that looks like for you.
Be Bold and Try Something New!
Care staff and leadership at The Village at Gainesville love to see residents who discover new wellness activities. Many of our staff members will even tell you they reignited their own fitness activities when they were inspired by residents who tried something new.
When you consider the almost endless array of options to pursue at The Village, we think you’ll agree that there’s something for everyone. We’re always here to help you get acclimated to new activities, so let us know what you might want to try, and we’ll be there to guide you along the way.
What Can You Enjoy Today at The Village at Gainesville?
- Swimming in our heated outdoor pool
- Tennis and Pickleball
- Wood shop
- Community/resident gardens
- The Village Book Club
- Health and fitness center with fitness trainers
- Meditation Garden
- Walking trails
- Casual and fine dining options
- Computer learning center and reading room
- Performing Arts Center
- Spa and salon
- Library
- Chapel
Take a look at our Photo Gallery to see many of our indoor and outdoor amenities that are designed to help you get involved or get moving.
Find more time to do what you love at The Village at Gainesville.
Our worry-free lifestyle allows you to live your retirement years exceptionally. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone in this active community you’ll love to call home. Let us help you live life to the fullest. Call us today at 352-231-8706 to learn more.