As we age, the focus on quality of life often becomes a larger part of the conversation.
That discussion can include topics such as health care or living arrangements. But some choices, like finding ways to stay active, can provide as much benefit as they do entertainment.
“When a resident has a hobby, they have a sense of purpose. Their mental health is pretty good,” said Erica Mangers, a senior living sales specialist at Good Samaritan Society – Hastings Village in Hastings, Nebraska. “That creates socialization, which in turn creates friendships and a sense of belonging, community.”
Many of the independent living residents at Hastings Village have taken their hobbies and activities into their own hands, whether that’s organizing or even creating new opportunities.
“When I moved here and discovered the wood shop, it was a blessing in disguise,” said Ken Robinson, who finds himself in the woodworking and hobby shop on a nearly daily basis.
“It’s kind of a therapy. Sometimes when life kind of gets to you, you kind of just get away and have a little alone time and build something. I, for one, would be lost without it.”
Letting the creativity flow
Many of Robinson’s creations in the shop end up being used in an arts and crafts class led by his wife, Vikki, and her sister, Tammy Smith.
The class meets every other month or so, bringing together anyone who is looking to flex their creative muscle and share some laughs in the process.
“I believe we stay healthier because we’re active and using our imagination. Not to mention the social part of it,” said Vikki Robinson.
The get-togethers often include some sort of treat and a raffle prize, adding to the fun social atmosphere and achieving a goal for the sisters: creating community.
“It’s supposed to be fun,” said Smith. “It’s supposed to be a time where people get to visit, get to know people they might not know, or just laugh.
Senior living residents share the fun and meaningful ways they stay active -- hobbies including crafting, woodworking, gardening and gaming -- and how those activities improve their physical and mental health. (Photo by Justin Wulf, Sanford Health)
Keep moving
Neighbors Judy Obert and Sheryl Bach have dug deep to find something that improves their quality of life – planting.
The pair takes care of the flower bed across the street from their homes, beautifying their slice of the neighborhood with love and purpose.
“This is my therapy. I like to be outside, I like the dirt, and I like the flowers,” said Bach.
“It’s hard to be depressed when you’re out here watching things grow and bloom and produce fruit,” added Obert, who also gets her hands dirty in the community garden.
For Obert, growing fruits and vegetables in the garden is another opportunity for staying active and being social.
“One thing you want to fight against is that syndrome of just sitting in the chair and letting the world move on without you,” she said. “That’s one of the things the doctors tell you all the time – keep moving, get out and walk, get out and visit.”
Sharp mind, fit body
A cyclist and a writer, Dan Koch is a firm believer in keeping his body and mind in tune.
“It’s just keeping the mind sharp and the body fit. Those two things, got to do it. I plan on living a lot longer,” he said with a laugh.
Koch also plays guitar, both at events around town and for his neighbors out on his lawn. The activity keeps his mind sharp by learning new songs and gets him out of the house, even if it’s just a few feet to his porch while his wife serves refreshments to the crowd.
“The most important thing you can do when you reach retirement age is stay active,” Koch said. “It just keeps you loving life. That’s the secret. Get active. As soon as you sit in that chair and watch TV, you’re cutting yourself out of so much that you can do.”
You can learn more about how senior living residents find joy in their hobbies and activities at good-sam.com/our-stories.
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Posted In Community, Healthy Living, Senior Services
