What is retirement to you? Everyone has their own definition. Are your senior years spent at hospitals and doctor’s offices? Or, are the best years of your life spent doing things you have always wanted to do and being as healthy and as active as you can?
The concept of retirement is evolving. No longer are senior citizens expected to just lounge around, look out the staring window, and complaining about young people. Instead, seniors are living longer and healthier lives at retirement homes. The elderly can take advantage of their free time by doing things they never had the chance to do before. As they jump out of airplanes and take art classes, the elderly can also participate in a diverse array of recreational activities, from going for a dip in the pool to stretching your muscles with some yoga to going for a long walk in the city or in a park. This is what retirement is all about.
Many of today’s seniors have redefined what it is supposed to be like for someone in his or her 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. In other words, forget everything you thought you knew about old age. As they say, 60 is the new 50 – and with good reason, too!
Here are nine relaxing recreational activities for the elderly:
1. Walking activities
One of the most relaxing activities for the elderly is to take a long walk on a pleasant spring morning, after a delicious lunch on an autumn afternoon, or following an exquisite dinner on a summer evening.
Put simply, walks are one of the most enjoying recreational activities for not just seniors, but for everyone else, too. Indeed, a stroll, a hike, or a walk can be terrific for both your physical and mental health. You are stretching your joints, getting the necessary air, and clearing your thoughts. If you get the chance to walk, take it!
2. Tennis
For more athletic seniors, tennis can be one of the best recreational activities for the elderly. While tennis is not a suitable activity for someone with chronic pain, the game is appropriate for your average senior. You do not need to play like Pete Sampras or Novak Djokovic, but a simple game of hitting the ball back and forth is a tremendous boon for your overall health. It is a satisfying endeavour.
3. Yoga
Yoga is one of the oldest practices in human history, dating back to the ancient civilisations of India. It is also one of the best recreational activities for the elderly who want to relax both their bodies and their minds.
In recent years, yoga has become the go-to recreational activity for millions of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans – and for good reason. There are so many advantages – physically, mentally, and emotionally – that everyone should give it at least one try. You might notice the immediate benefits. If so, it would be a good idea to incorporate a minimum of one hour into your schedule every week.
4. Swimming activities
Swimming is essentially the aquatic version of yoga. Swimming is an unmatched form of exercise because you are stretching every single muscle in your body. What’s more, you do not feel that your entire body is being utilised to swim from one end of the pool to another.
5. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is also one of the oldest practices in the world. While it is not as prevalent as yoga, Tai Chi is beginning to make its way throughout urban centres and retirement communities. Anyone who has tried Tai Chi will attest to its sublime contribution to your mind, body, and soul.
What also makes Tai Chi such an attractive activity for the elderly is that you do not need to go overboard on the movement. This is beneficial for those who some from physical discomfort.
6. Billiards
Some might make the case that billiards is not exactly a recreational activity. But think about it: you are standing, you are bending over, and you are perhaps stretching to get the best shot. So, yes, billiards (or pool) is certainly a great recreational activity that many senior living establishments offer.
7. Dancing activities
Unfortunately, dancing is a lost art form that today’s generation does not value. This is a sad reality.
That said, dancing is a wonderful activity that can offer a lot of benefits. Of course, everyone will immediately allude to the physical exertion, but it can also trigger positive and upbeat emotions. As you listen to the sweet sounds of Benny Goodman, you are moving your body around and enjoying the melody of I Didn’t Know What Time It Was or Sing, Sing, Sing.
Shake those hips and get groovin’!
8. Catch
Like tennis, you do not need to throw like Chris Sale or Roger Clemens when you are playing a game of catch. The whole purpose is to just get some fresh, stretch your muscles, and standing upright instead of just sitting down. Besides, a game of catch might trigger some wonderful memories.
9. Wii Sports
Believe it or not, a video game console is now under the category of recreational activities for the elderly. Why? If you have heard of something call Wii Sports then you understand why it is a great console.
Whether it is a video game that concentrates of bowling or golf, you really move your body around to perform the actions. You not just pushing a button, sitting down on your sofa and gawking at a screen. This explains why Wii Sports is popular for all age demographics around the world.
