As our loved ones age, it can be heartbreaking to watch them grapple with boredom. Depression and anxiety are common byproducts, so staying entertained is crucial to maintaining good mental health. Physical limitations may prevent them from enjoying the same activities they did when they were younger, and this can sometimes leave them feeling like there is a void in their life. If watching the television has become one of their last-standing activities, perhaps it is time to introduce some new hobbies. Whether it’s picking up an old pastime, or learning something new, hobbies can help keep a smile on your loved one’s face.

Joining a small social club is a great place to start. Social clubs are an excellent way for your friend or relative to enjoy a hobby with their peers. Many of our clients enjoy crafting clubs for knitting, crocheting, quilting, painting, ceramics, and jewelry making. Some of our more outdoorsy clients enjoy social clubs based around fishing, pickleball, boating, swimming, lawn bowling, or bocce ball. Our clients who prefer to stay inside often join a book club, a board game club, or even a Wii Bowling club! The possibilities are endless.

If joining a club isn’t their style, there are still plenty of independent activities your loved one can enjoy. Perhaps they enjoy reading, but never make it out to a bookstore or library. You could sign them up for a “Book of the Month Club” so they’ll never run out of good reading material. If they don’t enjoy reading, but enjoy a good story, then try audio books!

As we get older, looking back on the past can be a great source of joy. So, what could be a better activity than scrapbooking? Scrapbooking can give our loved ones the opportunity to review their life’s most precious moments, and display them in a fun and crafty way. This is a relatively inexpensive hobby that can provide hours and hours of entertainment. Other independent and inexpensive activities include jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, word games, card games, adult coloring books, and paint-by-number sets.

Getting enough sunlight can be good for the soul, and a small planter bed garden can be a great way to help them enjoy the outdoors. If they don’t enjoy gardening, perhaps they would enjoy the company that comes along with installing a few hummingbird feeders or birdhouses. Perhaps consider an outdoor or bluetooth speaker, so they can sit outside and listen to their favorite music as they get some fresh air, and watch the hummingbirds.

Hopefully something on this list of ideas has inspired you. If your loved one doesn’t show interest in one idea, just move along to the next! Take it slow, and don’t be discouraged if the first hobby doesn’t stick. Take them to a crafting or hobby store and let him or her look around to see what peaks their interest. Print out a list of all the social clubs in your area and see if any of them are a good fit. It might take a few tries, but it will be worth it!

Does a loved one of yours need help around the home, or would they benefit from compassionate, competent companionship? Reach out to Pennsylvania Agency of Nurses (click the button below) to see how we could best help your family!

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