Senior Hobbies That Promote Wellness and Engagement in Brooklyn, NY

A survey done by AYTM found that only 15% of respondents have zero hobbies, and that two-thirds have multiple. Plus, 85% said that it's important to have them, as they're crucial for living a balanced and joyful life.

When you were younger, you might've wished you had more time for hobbies (63% of respondents have the same feeling). But now that you're retired, you've got significantly more spare time, and you don't want to be bored.

So what senior hobbies are available in Brooklyn, NY that can support your overall health? We've put together an excellent list that covers mental, emotional, and physical health.

Group Walking and Nature Outings

Walking is a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular health, help with balance, and boost your mood. And when you do it with others, it'll add accountability, as well as fight isolation.

For active aging in Brooklyn, NY, you can go on

  • Group walks
  • Nature strolls
  • Guided walks

There are all low-impact, highly social ways for you to stay active. Not only is there Prospect Park to do this in, but there are also other nearby green spaces you can utilize. In Prospect Park itself, there are accessible loops, benches, and seasonal programs, so it's the perfect local hub.

Gardening and Community Greening

Gardening can tackle several areas of concern: strength, dexterity, and purpose. It's a calming activity that improves your fine motor skills. Plus, it lets you connect with nature.

What's even better are the community projects, as they add meaningful social engagement. You can even mentor younger volunteers.

Gardening is good for memory care engagement too. It's very therapeutic and can provide gentle exercise while you get fresh air.

Check with the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, as they have:

  • Adult education
  • Community greening
  • Hands-on courses

Library Clubs and Lifelong Learning

Your golden years are the time to kick back and relax, but if you don't keep busy enough, you'll feel bored and disengaged. The best way to uphold your quality of life is to keep learning new skills. This keeps your brain engaged and helps expand your social circles.

To do this, you have a wonderful resource right in your backyard: the Brooklyn Public Library. It offers:

  • Classes
  • Lectures
  • Tech workshops
  • Book clubs
  • Arts programming

These are all tailored to older adults, making them perfect for mental stimulation, as well as memory exercise and socializing.

Music, Singing, and Group Classes

Music is very powerful; it has healing properties, and as you might already know, it can bring great joy to people's lives. In some instances, it can be life-changing.

Music can support cognitive health, emotional regulation, and breath control. So consider:

  • Singing in a choir
  • Learning an instrument
  • Attending group music classes

Whether you turn to the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music or other community music programs, you can find lessons, ensemble opportunities, and even music therapy options. These are all available to adults of all levels, so you won't have to worry about being a beginner.

Arts, Crafts, and Museum Programs

Creative hobbies for seniors can also be good for boosting your mood and providing a sense of accomplishment. Also, they can strengthen fine motor skills.

Creative activities to consider include:

  • Painting
  • Ceramics
  • Photography
  • Crafts

The Brooklyn Museum and many local libraries and senior centers host programs specifically for older adults, so all you have to do is look around. You can partake in:

  • Adult art classes
  • Sketch groups
  • Gallery talks
  • Museum-access program

Gentle Fitness

Looking after your physical health is essential for maintaining as much independence as possible, and for as long as possible too. Although you might already need some help, there are still assisted living activities you can do.

Low-impact exercise is joint-friendly, and it can improve your balance, flexibility, and strength. You can take up:

  • Chair yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Gentle Pilates
  • Water aerobics

You won't necessarily have to spend money to participate in these activities either. There are many free group fitness sessions across the boroughs that include senior-friendly options.

Outdoor Recreation and Light Sport

If you're a senior who wants slightly more active outdoor fun, then there's independent living recreation available. Resources here include Brooklyn Bridge Park and other waterfront and multi-use parks.

Gentle recreation for older adults includes:

  • Kayaking
  • Bocce
  • Lawn games
  • Pickleball

Many parks also have seasonal organized activities, so keep your eyes peeled if you want to join with other seniors.

If you're not used to being physically active, make sure you start off with short sessions to build stamina. There are also beginner clinics, so you can ease into things.

Social Clubs and Senior Centers

If you're feeling lonely, then seek out social clubs and senior centers. These establishments have daily social programming, so you can partake in:

  • Meals
  • Bingo
  • Lectures
  • Health screenings
  • Dance nights
  • Trips

You can spend time at these centers and make new friends. Together, you can do hobbies that not only create meaningful connections but also add purpose to your lives.

Volunteering and Intergenerational Programs

Why not do some good while picking up some hobbies? There are various channels you can give back to the community while getting a renewed sense of purpose. Plus, these tasks will keep your cognitive skills sharp and help you create social ties.

Here's a little inspiration for volunteering :

  • Tutoring
  • Reading at libraries
  • Mentoring gardening projects
  • Helping at cultural institutions

Give These Senior Hobbies a Try

After retirement, you might've found yourself with a little too much time on your hands. While you don't want to be too busy or stressed out, it's good to have something to keep you occupied.

So consider the senior hobbies we've given you in this article. There are both solo and social activities, so you can mix it up to match your energy levels. And remember to start small and build consistency so that you don't burn out by accident.

Get in touch with us today if you're interested in information for senior living in Brooklyn, NY. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights has a resident wine cellar and private dining room for the ultimate senior living experience.

Recent Posts