Fun Activities for the Seniors-the easy way

5 Fun Activities for Seniors you can do Today!

Fun Activities for the Seniors-the easy way is a means for seniors to stay engaged and active doing things within our age group. No need to stop, simply adjust.

As I enter this brave new world, the over-60’s club, I can hear the clock ticking, and I notice that the ticking is getting louder.

This is a warning for me, and for all of us,  to stop tarrying and to get off our proverbial butts and make better use of this precious time. Time waits for no one! especially not for us. This means that it’s time to be doing things that we enjoy and make us feel more alive.

There is so much to be done and now that I have the time and I’m better able to manage it, … what am I waiting for? Do you ever feel like this?

Well, today is here and the time is now! and we deserve good things too, we’ve worked for them. Just because I’ve matured a bit, and have acquired a few more feathers in my cap, doesn’t mean that I don’t like having fun. As a matter of fact, fun is now quite high on my list of priorities.

Gone, are all my crazy bosses, and their problems, … not to forget the endless hours of commute. Now that I work for myself, I have more control over my days, and I can produce more with less effort.

This leaves me a lot more time to play. How do I play? … Let me show you the ways!

Let me show you 5 easy ways to make your day more productive and more enjoyable.

1. Walking and Hiking

Walking and Hiking are basically the same activity.

  • Walking is one of the best ways to start your day.
  • Only swimming, cycling, canoeing, and kayaking are even in the running
  • and don’t ignore that you have to walk to get to the other contenders.

When I get tired of walking, I go hiking, … to my favourite fishing hole. I’ll tell you about the one that didn’t get away in a future post.

Hiking sounds so much more impressive when I tell people that I’ve hiked around the lake, all the while, laughing inside as if it were any different than walking around the lake.

In a previous post, The Benefits of Walking for Seniors, I include a clever trick that you can use on your grandchildren to get them out of the house and to accompany you on your daily walk.

2. Swimming

Swimming is an excellent exercise for your body and a pleasant way to socialize with your friends.

Swimming is right up there with walking and hiking. Perhaps it deserves the number one spot because it is less stressful on the knees and hips.  You can do it indoors or outdoors, but whatever way you choose to do it, … never swim alone.

You can swim at the lake, … in the river, or … in the ocean.  You can even swim alone at your local pool, under lifeguard supervision, of course.

When swimming in public pools, I’ve found early mornings are best, especially, if you don’t like big crowds or tons of screaming kids. They swim after school.

Lots of swimming aids are often provided free of charge, at these public pools, and special rates are always available for seniors. An added bonus is the certified Lifeguards always ready and able to assist.

Swimming is a more complete body workout and makes use of the entire body, especially the arms and shoulders which are less involved in walking unless you use walking poles.

A good way to approach this may be to swim one day and walk on the following day. What’s important here is that you exercise every day.

  • Exercise in moderation.

If a walk or a swim every day is too much for you in the beginning, try exercising for 3 to 4 days, at a time, and then take one day to rest.

You will soon find a routine that works best for you.

Regular exercise in moderation with sensible eating habits is the mantra.

3. Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi you ask?

Tai Chi is the ancient Chinese art of graceful movement. It is often referred to as meditation in motion. Tai Chi is a combination of mildly strenuous exercise, with stretching and mindfulness included for good measure.

This makes it an excellent exercise for our age group. In addition to the physical benefits, it is also a good recipe for meeting people that, for the most part, are a lot less stressed out by their daily lives. This in itself, is enough reason to look deeper into this fascinating Chinese practice.

  • Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, and overall fitness and this should not be ignored, as we get older.
  • Studies have shown that Tai Chi greatly improves balance and reduces the risk of falling, in seniors, by as much as 45%.
  • Like all physical exercise, it can be useful in preventing depression and anxiety.
  • It can be practiced, indoors or outdoors, and this is often determined by the weather outside.
  • There are classes for beginners in many cities and towns, not far from you.

4. Board Games

Fun Activities for the Seniors-the easy way

Yes! … board games, from the old days, when machines didn’t rule over us.

We’ve all played board games at some time in our lives. Who hasn’t played Monopoly or Scrabble?

Backgammon, Chess, Checkers, and Card Games?

More subtle ways to socialize and spend a few quiet hours with family, friends, or even complete strangers.

During the day, in the evening, or when the weather just seems to say, “stay inside, it’s bad out there”.

Studies show that board games can slow down and even prevent dementia and cognitive decline.

5. Make Money Working From Home

We all enjoy a few extra bucks in our pockets.

What if I could show you a way to earn money online in your spare time. Perhaps a new hobby to share with your “techie” grandchildren. We all spend hours sitting in front of our computer screens, so why not try to make a few bucks at it.

Would you like to become a blogger, but don’t know how to get started?

Have you ever wanted to write a story?

Well, … these are just a few of the many possibilities available to you in the safety of your own home.

If you own a computer or laptop, and who doesn’t, the possibility of earning an extra income might have some appeal. I can show you an easy way to get started that won’t cost you a penny.

This is the best work from home idea that I have ever found, after years of the constant search for my dream job.

That’s right! … Simply log in, …  and explore this platform for 7 full days at no charge.

Nothing to lose and it won’t even hurt a bit.

No credit card required, just an email address and you’re in.

This is a legitimate community that I have belonged to for almost 4 years and I have never regretted it.

A great way to meet new people and keep your mind, razor-sharp!

Have a look, you may even make a new friend.

My Final Thoughts

Life is what YOU make of it, … to a large degree.

If you sit on the couch all day and watch mindless TV… you’ll become bored and bitter.

I’ve even heard that some seniors get grumpy,  and cuss and swear at the cat, … although I’ve never been able to find any proof to substantiate this claim.

If you find any of my suggestions appealing, or if you have any comments or tips to offer,  do not hesitate to Contact Me.

You can do so in the comments section or shoot me an email at the link above.

Have a Meaningful and enjoyable day.

12 thoughts on “Fun Activities for the Seniors-the easy way”

  1. Life is what you make of it! Yes you are definitely right about that. I love the activities you wrote about in your blog. The only one I have not done is Tai chi. I would like to sometime though especially because of the benefits in has on the circulatory and lymph system. The body ages gracefully if we take care of it. 

    Reply
    • Yes, Cliff, life is very much what we make of it. 

      We are much more in control of our lives than we appreciate. Sitting in a chair waiting for things to happen is a popular exercise for many. Easy as it is, it does not make these “sitters” very happy and fulfilled. 

      We cannot change the weather or the color of our eyes, but we can get out of that chair and do something! Even if it’s a small thing. We can walk, talk to people, meet new people, or enjoy a pleasant day out of doors. 

      These little things lead to bigger and better things. Soon you discover “gratitude“. One of the easiest things to find when you change your “attitude“. 

      There is a Tai Chi class going on right now! … not far from where you live, … get over there and give it a try. You will most likely enjoy it, and as I said, these people and actively engaged in “stress suppression“.

      Get out there and do it, at your convenience, then come back here and tell me how it made you feel.

      Paul

      Reply
  2. Yeah there are so many fun stuff that seniors can do I you made an awesome list of 5. Okay, I love walking but I don’t hike. I don’t swim but would probably start swimming soon. Emmm… my favourite of these 5 is making money online from home. There is nothing as Awesome as making some extra cash from home. 😉

    Reply
    • Good Day, Vwegba.

      Making a bit of extra Cash is always fun. 

      Don’t let your hard-earned cash walk away from you!

      Paul

      Reply
  3. I really respect a lot all those above age 60 and so on. I know its not easy to get old. They must have experienced a lot of things. But its also important they enjoy their old days. Out of all those sample exercises you mentioned its only walking that is applicable to most old people in Africa. Swimming or other stuff you mentioned. 

    What about those old people who are supposed to have retired from active work but that are still working and struggling to survive. This life can be hard for such old people. Also what are other types of exercise you can advise old people in Africa apart from walking?

    Reply
    • Always nice to hear from you, Tsquare.

      Regardless of where you live, you can always walk. 

      I also want to mention that as we age we cannot do all the intense physical things we did when we were younger. 

      Hard work using your body is not very pleasant. If there is no Tai Chi or Yoga classes in your area, you can do simple stretching exercises like toe-touching, swinging your arms, etc. 

      Keeping your body loose and flexible is important and these simple movements can be found online or googled.

      The board games serve a social purpose and just being out and about with people, and walking, should not be overlooked.

      Paul

      Reply
  4. Hi Paul,

    Great article. Although I am not quite there yet (but getting very close), I like your ideas for having more fun as you mature and get more time to yourself. The only other ones I would suggest are yoga (to keep the body active) and learning (to keep the mind active). Is there somewhere you could learn yoga and kill two birds with one stone? Maybe Udemy?

    Anyway, best of luck in your more mature years,

    Gary

    Reply
    • Thanks, Gary.

      I mention fun in passing, all the while, wanting to encourage everyone to get involved and do something that brings meaning to their day.

      The best place to learn yoga is in person. Depending on where you live, most cities and towns have inexpensive ways to get introduced to it. If not, simply use other methods to keep yourself in good physical shape.

      There are lots of books and information available on this subject.

      Pursue your dreams, … time moves quite fast and today swiftly turns into yesterday.

      Paul

      Reply
  5. Hi Paul,

    I really enjoyed your write up. Aging gracefully is what everyone prays for as our days are “plus one minus one”. So one must live a fulfilling life that’s worthy of emulation by those you come across in life.

    I don’t understand the game of Tai -Chi that you mentioned in your post ,you said it is meditation on movement. Do you think while walking or what?

    Although I am not in my fifties nor sixties yet but I enjoy swimming as it refreshes one’s body and soul and it rejuvenated one. I like the tips you shared on swimming. 

    i

    Reply
    • Good Day, Kabirat.

      Praying is an activity of the mind and very important to the totality that is a human being. Once your spiritual needs have been met you must address your other needs. These include our physical, intellectual, and axiological needs.

      Middle age is a good time to pay special attention to your body, as a matter of fact, anytime is.

      Tai Chi is something like Yoga, in a way. It is a more relaxed way to exercise as opposed to doing more muscularly demanding movements.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

      Paul

      Reply
  6. I think everyone should have a hobby regardless of their age. Fun is fun and life is too short not to have fun.
    Getting older physically just means you have to adapt your body to activities that are better suited to your age. I like hiking, yoga and playing scrabble and don’t run anymore as it hurts my knees…I am getting older too.
    I like your idea of doing activities with people. It makes the experience so much more enjoyable. How about tips on how to motivate people to get off the couch and have some fun?

    Reply
    • Hi Dinh.
      Happy New Year
      We seem to agree on the need to have fun, but I agree even more with your thoughts on adapting to our more advanced age. Like you, I’ve stopped running now. I walk more and drive to substitute my need for speed when I want to get somewhere faster.

      Socializing is the best medicine for us and it’s also necessary to good mental well-being. It fights depression and those Monday morning blues.

      I know that you have no problem getting off the couch but if there is someone in your household that does, I suggest getting a big Saint Bernard dog or perhaps even a pot-bellied pig that likes to hog (pun intended) the couch.

      This is a surefire way to get everyone outside when she gets cranky and possessive over her new digs.

      Hope this helps.

      Paul

      Reply

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