7 Healthy Hobbies for Seniors to Keep You Fit ...

This is actually one of the most common and healthy hobbies for seniors. Gardening grandparents often surprise the grandkids when they see just how strong grandma/grandpa actually is. It is almost a passive way of staying fit because once you get into the habit of it, you become fit without even realizing. It is also something you can tinker with when you have a few minutes to yourself, and it gives you a great excuse to get out in the sun. Plus, the better you become at it, then the more pleasant it is when you take five minutes to sit in the garden. It is also nice to have people come round and be impressed with your garden.

We’re talking lawn bowling here rather than tenpin. This is a classic senior activity, and some bowls groups become so tightly knit that it is like being back in the sorority and frat houses in college. This is one of those hobbies to keep you fit that doesn’t put too much strain on your body. Still, it takes a few weeks before the aches and pains of playing start to fade. It seems like such a subdued sport, but it can be quite exciting and even quite taxing on your body if you are not used to it. It is a gentle way of losing weight too if you are suffering with your cholesterol. All that sunshine is good for you too. Just try not to do too many backflips when you win.

People used to say that yoga was a better hobby for seniors, but sitting still for hours with your eyes closed is something you can do when the neighbors pop round with their vacation snaps. Tai Chi has the element of gentle exercise and balance mixed with calm and serenity. The groups often fill up very nicely too, which means there is plenty of opportunity to meet other people.

Almost all swimming pools have adult swim sessions where the screams of younger people are replaced with the gentle chatter of middle-aged and senior people. You can improve your fitness at your own rate with regular swimming--though it is fun if you go with friends.

Bird watching is one of the healthy hobbies for seniors that combines walking and traveling with the thrill of something new. If you take the time to learn a little about birds in a certain area, then it is more fun when you find them. If you are lucky, then you will also find animals that you rarely see. Many seniors go bird watching, only to come back with stories about how they saw a mole above ground, a rare hare and even the occasional deer.

This is one of those hobbies that keep you fit as a side effect. Volunteering is a social activity where you meet many people and maybe even help a few people and causes. Getting healthy is often a side effect that occurs because you are active for most of the day. Being up and about is often enough to keep your strength up whilst helping out a good cause.

There are thousands of places you can visit nationally, and there are very few that do not involve a little gentle exercise. Even a trip to Vegas with all your friends will keep you active for hours. There are few people that travel all that way and do not explore the sights, sounds, shows and casinos. Or, you can go a little more low-key such as a visit to a national park. You could even go out of your way to see the national monuments that you promised yourself you would visit one day.

I’ve picked out healthy hobbies for seniors that do not take much long term commitment or a heavy financial outlay (except for travel). This means you can give them a try and if they’re not for you, you haven’t lost anything. And, there’s nothing to stop you doing as many of these and/or others you like. What other seniors’ hobbies do you recommend for our more mature readers?