How seniors can cultivate a new hobby
Retirement is often characterized as a carefree time in life when adults who spent years in the workforce get to enjoy the fruits of their labors. But upon retiring, many retirees find themselves fighting boredom. A recent study from Indeed found that, as of March 2022, 3.2 percent of workers who retired a year earlier had already reentered the workforce. No two retirees are the same, and a host of variables, boredom among them, likely compelled recently retired professionals to go back to work.
Retirees who like the freedom of not working but are confronting a good bit of boredom can consider these tips to cultivate a new hobby that can help them pass the time in a rewarding and engaging way.
• Identify new (or old) interests Many retirees discover new passions in retirement, while others turn back the clock and revisit favorite hobbies from their youth. A good way to begin cultivating a new hobby is to jot down
a list of activities you always found interesting but never had the time to learn or became too busy to fully invest in. Some seniors hit the links for the first time in retirement, while others return to school to study subjects they find interesting but did not engage with during their college years. The options are endless, and jotting down a list of new or old interests is a great way to get the ball rolling.
• Embrace new ways to engage a passion. Virtual resources like online
courses and book clubs conducted over Zoom with fellow readers across the nation and possibly even the globe are a great way to cultivate a new hobby in retirement. Virtual resources can be especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues.
• Consider locally based resources. Community parks departments and libraries may offer an array of free or affordable opportunities for seniors to engage with a new hobby. Parks departments may offer anything from
cross country skiing tutorials to agebased hiking excursions, while libraries may offer weekly crafting sessions or wellness programs to local residents. In addition to providing fun ways to discover and cultivate a new hobby, programs offered through parks departments and local libraries are great ways to meet fellow retirees.
• Put your experience to use. Retirees with years in their field don’t have to go back to work to make use of their professional expertise. Contact local youth organizations or outreach programs sponsored by churches, libraries or local law enforcement agencies and offer to share your expertise with young people. Such opportunities allow retirees to continue to engage with their professions and help a younger generation of aspiring professionals gain valuable insight into fields they’re interested in.
There’s no shortage of ways for seniors to overcome retirement boredom and cultivate rewarding hobbies.
Your background, personality and interests are what make you unique and what will allow you to fit right in at our community. We embrace – and celebrate – everyone’s differences and open our doors to all. If you’re ready to amplify the life you already love with new friendships, experiences and ideas, visit us for our next event and feel the genuine connection for yourself.
Join us for an upcoming event by scanning the QR code or visiting ClarendaleOfAlgonquin.com/News-Events.
Discover the Joy of Community at Grand Victorian of Crystal Lake
Did you know that older adults in the United States are far more likely to live alone compared to their counterparts worldwide? According to Pew Research Center, 27% of Americans aged 60 or older live by themselves, compared to just 16% globally. While independence has its benefits, isolation and living alone can significantly impact one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Research from “Neuroscience News” highlights that one in four seniors experiencing dementia or mild cognitive impairment resides alone, heightening their risks for health issues. These seniors face increased dangers of self-neglect, falls, cognitive decline, depression, and even premature death. Isolation at any age often leads to poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, elevated stress, and anxiety, making
the need for community even more critical.
At Grand Victorian of Crystal Lake, we understand the importance of connection, community and belonging. Especially for older adults. Our Independent Living,
Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities provide vibrant environments filled with opportunities to engage socially, spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Residents enjoy daily activities, from educational workshops and wellness pro-
Unique ways to volunteer
grams to social events with friends, neighbors, and family.
Say goodbye to loneliness and hello to choice and independence while enjoying companionship, care, and enrichment at Grand Victorian of Crystal Lake. Come experience the difference community makes. TOGETHER – it’s a great place to be!
For more information or to schedule a visit, contact us today and discover how Grand Victorian can enrich your life.
Call Us: 815-455-8400
Email Us:
marketing@gv-crystallake.com
Or Stop by at: 965 N. Brighton Cir., Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Individuals can give back to their communities in various ways. Some may sign up to work with a local fire company, while others may help to organize community-wide events that inspire people to get out, meet their neighbors and take pride in their towns and cities. Indeed, the opportunities to make a difference in one’s community abound, especially for those willing to consider unique ways to volunteer.
• Share your expertise. Established professionals with ample experience in a given arena can be particularly helpful with community initiatives. For example, experienced project managers can volunteer with local government offices and help to plan town-wide celebrations that bring locals and local retailers together. Experienced accounting professionals may volunteer with local senior centers to offer complementary or low-cost
tax services to aging community members living on fixed incomes.
• Help to raise funds. Fundraising may not be the first activity individuals associate with volunteering, but charitable organizations must be able to continuously raise financial support to meet their missions.
Individuals can help to organize fundraising events like black-tie dinners with silent auctions that are
both fun and fruitful for local charitable organizations.
• Get behind the wheel. Various organizations, including local houses of worship and senior centers, help aging men and women get around town. Volunteer drivers make such efforts possible, so individuals who want to give back can offer to drive aging and/or immobile community members to re-
ligious services, weekly events like bingo night, or even offer to drive incapacitated neighbors to and from their doctor’s appointments.
• Start a program for local youth. Adults with a passion for a particular hobby can share that love with local youths by volunteering to start a program or club that teaches young people the basics of a particular activity. For example, adults with a love of sailing can work with local township officials and develop a sailing instruction program for community youths. If reading is a passion, start a book club for teenagers that encourages them to discover their own favorite literary genre.
Volunteering presents a wonderful way to give back to one’s community. There’s no shortage of ways to offer your time and services in an effort to make your community an even better place to call home.
