Finding a hobby is all about exploration and trying out new activities to find something that truly resonates and brings about joy.
For seniors, there are so many possibilities to explore, from physical activities, creative pursuits, social and community involvement or even cooking, it is never too late to try something you always wanted to.
Physical activities
Low impact exercises and team sports are great options for seniors to stay connected, healthy and happy. Staying active does not just bring about physical benefits, from the likes of increasing strength to promoting mobility and flexibility. It also confers a wide range of mental health and social benefits as these are usually done in a group setting.
Join a walking club
Walk for Health (Ages 50+) is a public group on Meetup with over 300 members that engage in walks as a fun and low-impact activity. If you're looking for a group that regularly meets on a weekly or fortnightly basis, Healthy Happy Active SG provides an avenue for seniors to connect with other like minded individuals while partaking in a leisure walk. Other than walking, this group also does karaoke, pickleball and enjoy good food and drinks together.
Pick up aqua aerobics
Aqua aerobics is an excellent low-impact exercise option for seniors as it supports up to 90% of one's body weight, significantly reducing strain on the joints. It is also proven to enhance heart and lung functions, supporting better blood circulation and blood pressure control. ActiveSG Aqua Fitness Programmes are available at ActiveSG swimming pools so one could easily drop in for a session. Additionally, AquaFit for Seniors is available at Queenstown and Pasir Panjang.
Chair yoga
Chair yoga is becoming increasingly popular amongst seniors due to its accessibility for pretty much all mobility levels. Chair yoga typically incorporates gentle stretching and breathing exercises which improve strength and mobility in a safe and low impact manner. Both the ActiveSG Chair Yoga Classes and Health Promotion Board (HPB) Live Well, Age Well Programme are accessible at various locations across Singapore. Additionally this article also highlights other yoga poses you can practice with friends!
Dancing
From Ballroom dancing to the likes of Latin dances like salsa or cha-cha to that of zumba and even Korean-Pop dances, there are so many dancing options out there for seniors. One thing picking up dancing is that the activity can be easily scaled and adapted to differing abilities, ensuring that seniors are able to participate and have fun.
Expect to break a sweat and hone your flexibility and coordination. As part of the Active Agers program, the Dance Sport Academy offers weekly free classes for those aged 55 and above. Alternatively, social dances are also accessible in community centers via OnePA.
Creative pursuits
Creative pursuits are a great way for seniors to get in tune with their inner artist, offering opportunities for self-expression and social engagement. Creative and artistic activities are touted to boost brain health and cognitive functions, which are helpful especially for seniors with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Art Jamming & Painting Workshops
Artribe by Artify Studio conducts art classes for kids and adults, fronted by individuals passionate about art. Artify offers weekly guided art jamming sessions tailored for seniors aged 60 and above. Their programmes focus on emotional wellness and connection, all guided by their friendly and experienced instructors.
Visual Arts Centre – Senior & Retirees Art Courses specialises in Art Courses such as oil painting and Chinese ink painting for seniors. Guided sessions are also made available to assist participants in creating their artwork.
Woodworking for Seniors
Designed just for seniors, the Artisan Academy – Silver Seniors' Woodworking Journey course allows one to explore the joy of creating handcrafted pieces while connecting with like-minded individuals. Each project (build night lights and lamps) is beginner-friendly and designed to impart essential woodworking skills in the 2-day course.
Picking up a musical instrument
One is never too old to pick up a new instrument, be it the guitar and ukelele, the harmonica, the violin or even the drum - Music knows no limits. Some considerations for seniors would be the weight of these instruments and how accessible these instruments are. Music solution's Golden Years Programmes are dedicated to seniors who wish tp pick up an instrument and partake in active music making.
Social and community involvement
What is better than giving back to the community and paying it forward? Volunteering offers seniors in Singapore meaningful opportunities to stay engaged, contribute to the community, and build lasting connections.
RSVP Singapore – The Organisation of Senior Volunteers provides a platform for seniors to volunteer in various roles, including mentorship, event coordination, and administrative support. Another of such programs is Lions Befrienders which offers volunteering opportunities for seniors to engage in befriending activities, assisting with outings, and supporting centre operations.
Honing the culinary skills
Cooking and baking classes offers a wide range of benefits that go far beyond learning recipes. These classes provide an avenue for seniors to learn the importance of nutrition, train their motor skills and dexterity through hands-on cooking and also promote social connections as these classes are usually conducted in groups.
SkillsFuture Cooking & Baking Courses for Seniors are offered by various providers. These include breadmaking, cake and cookie baking, and Peranakan cuisine preparation. Eligible Singaporeans can leverage on their SkillsFuture Credits and subsidies.
Allspice Institute offers structured baking courses such as cookie making, yeast-raised pastries, and decorative bread baking. Courses are 27–32 hours long and include a certificate of attendance. Eligible seniors can receive up to 70% course fee subsidy.
In a fast-paced city like Singapore, hobbies play an essential role in enriching one's silver years. Be it sports, creative activities or even picking up culinary skills, it will certainly help seniors stay active, connected, and fulfilled.
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