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Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age There are many

things you can do to

help boost your health

as you age, including

making healthy food

choices and not

smoking. But did you

know that

participating in social

and other activities

you enjoy can also

help support healthy

aging?

As you grow older,

you may find yourself

spending more time

at home alone. Being lonely or socially isolated is not good for your overall health. For example, it can increase

feelings of depression or anxiety, which can have a negative impact on many other aspects of your health. If you

find yourself spending a lot of time alone, try participating in activities you find meaningful — those that create a

sense of purpose in your daily life. These can include hobbies, volunteer activities, or time with family and friends.

Melvin and Linn's story

Melvin has not quite felt like himself since his retirement. He misses his customers and teaching new

employees the trade. Linn used to care for her grandchildren while her daughter was at work. Now that

her grandchildren are in school, she has a lot of extra time on her hands. Melvin and Linn miss waking

up with a feeling of purpose. They think joining a volunteer group might help — and they’re right.

Benefits of an active lifestyle Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or

becoming a volunteer in your community, may help to maintain your well-being and independence as you age. An

active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in. It includes doing activities that are meaningful to you

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

1 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

and benefit your mind, spirit, and body.

Research has shown that older adults with an active lifestyle:

Are less likely to develop certain diseases. Participating in hobbies and other social activities may lower

risk for developing some health problems, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of

cancer.

Have a longer lifespan. Studies looking at people’s outlooks and how long they live show that happiness,

life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are all linked to living longer. Doing things that you enjoy may help

cultivate those positive feelings.

Are happier and less depressed. Studies suggest that older adults who participate in activities they find

meaningful, such as volunteering in their communities or being physically active, say they feel happier and

healthier.

Are better prepared to cope. When people feel happier and healthier, they are more likely to be resilient,

which is our ability to bounce back and recover from difficult situations. Positive emotions, optimism, physical

and mental health, and a sense of purpose are all associated with resilience.

May be able to improve their thinking abilities. Research suggests that participating in certain activities,

such as those that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity, may have a positive effect on memory

— and the more variety the better. Other studies are providing new information about ways that creative

activities, such as music or dance, can help older adults with memory problems or dementia.

Find the right balance

Everyone has different limits to the amount of time they can spend on social or other activities. What is

perfect for one person may be too much for another. You might start by adding one or two activities to

your routine and see how you feel. You can always add more. Remember: Participating in activities you

enjoy should be fun, not stressful.

Activities to consider There are plenty of places to look for opportunities to

engage in activities you enjoy, depending on your

interests and ability. Following are ideas that might

work for you. Some of these include activities that can

be enjoyed even from a distance using phones,

computers, and other devices. Others can be done

alone. So even if you’re in a rural area or have other

restrictions, you can still find ways to engage in

activities you like.

Connect with family and friends Play cards or other games with friends in person

or online.

Travel with a group of older adults, such as a

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

2 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

retiree group.

Video chat or call your friends and family

members.

Try different restaurants with your loved ones.

Listen and share favorite music with your family.

Join a group interested in a hobby, such as

knitting, hiking, birdwatching, painting, or wood

carving.

Reconnect with old friends through your high

school or college alumni association.

Learn something new Take a cooking, art, dance, language, or computer class. Get in touch with your local community college or

library. Many offer free or discounted courses for older adults. You may even be able to find classes online.

Form or join a book or film club

Try yoga, tai chi, or another new physical activity

Learn (or relearn) how to play a musical instrument

Visit local museums. Many offer free group tours and educational programs.

Become more active in your community Visit a community or senior center and take part in its events and activities

Serve meals or organize clothing donations for people in need

Run errands for people with limited mobility or access to transportation

Join a committee or help out with an activity at your place of worship

Volunteer at a school, library, museum, hospital, or animal shelter

Help with gardening at a community garden or park

Organize a park clean-up through your local recreation center or community association

Sing in a community choral group, or play in a local band or orchestra

Take part in a local theater troupe

Get a local part-time job or explore opportunities online

Teach a favorite pastime or skill, such as embroidery, photography, building models, chess, baking,

woodworking, calligraphy, or quilting, to a new generation

Go out and get moving Garden (indoors or out) or do yard work

Take an exercise class or do exercises at home

Go dancing

Join a sports club for older adults, like a bowling club or bocce league

Walk or bicycle with a friend or neighbor

Take a swimming class

Play with your grandchildren. Teach them a game or dance you remember from childhood

Take a stroll around the neighborhood or on nature trails

Adopt healthy stress-relieving habits Read a good book, magazine, or newspaper

Practice gratitude and mindfulness

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

3 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

Do tai-chi or yoga

Cook your favorite healthy meal

Enjoy the little things, such as a cup of coffee or sunrise

You may also be interested in Finding tips to help get started with exercise

Reading about benefits of exercise

Exploring tips to help stay motivated to exercise

Sign up for e-alerts about healthy aging

For more information about participating in activities America's Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal

www.volunteer.gov

Corporation for National Community Service

800-942-2677

800-833-3722 (TTY)

[email protected]

www.nationalservice.gov

Experience Corps

AARP Foundation

202-434-6400

[email protected]

www.experiencecorps.org

VolunteerMatch

415-241-6868

www.volunteermatch.org

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA

scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

4 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

nia.nih.gov An official website of the National Institutes of Health

date.

Content reviewed: March 28, 2022

Newsletters

Sign up to receive updates and resources

delivered to your inbox.

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

5 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

An official website of the United States government

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age There are many

things you can do to

help boost your health

as you age, including

making healthy food

choices and not

smoking. But did you

know that

participating in social

and other activities

you enjoy can also

help support healthy

aging?

As you grow older,

you may find yourself

spending more time

at home alone. Being lonely or socially isolated is not good for your overall health. For example, it can increase

feelings of depression or anxiety, which can have a negative impact on many other aspects of your health. If you

find yourself spending a lot of time alone, try participating in activities you find meaningful — those that create a

sense of purpose in your daily life. These can include hobbies, volunteer activities, or time with family and friends.

Melvin and Linn's story

Melvin has not quite felt like himself since his retirement. He misses his customers and teaching new

employees the trade. Linn used to care for her grandchildren while her daughter was at work. Now that

her grandchildren are in school, she has a lot of extra time on her hands. Melvin and Linn miss waking

up with a feeling of purpose. They think joining a volunteer group might help — and they’re right.

Benefits of an active lifestyle Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or

becoming a volunteer in your community, may help to maintain your well-being and independence as you age. An

active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in. It includes doing activities that are meaningful to you

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

1 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

and benefit your mind, spirit, and body.

Research has shown that older adults with an active lifestyle:

Are less likely to develop certain diseases. Participating in hobbies and other social activities may lower

risk for developing some health problems, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of

cancer.

Have a longer lifespan. Studies looking at people’s outlooks and how long they live show that happiness,

life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are all linked to living longer. Doing things that you enjoy may help

cultivate those positive feelings.

Are happier and less depressed. Studies suggest that older adults who participate in activities they find

meaningful, such as volunteering in their communities or being physically active, say they feel happier and

healthier.

Are better prepared to cope. When people feel happier and healthier, they are more likely to be resilient,

which is our ability to bounce back and recover from difficult situations. Positive emotions, optimism, physical

and mental health, and a sense of purpose are all associated with resilience.

May be able to improve their thinking abilities. Research suggests that participating in certain activities,

such as those that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity, may have a positive effect on memory

— and the more variety the better. Other studies are providing new information about ways that creative

activities, such as music or dance, can help older adults with memory problems or dementia.

Find the right balance

Everyone has different limits to the amount of time they can spend on social or other activities. What is

perfect for one person may be too much for another. You might start by adding one or two activities to

your routine and see how you feel. You can always add more. Remember: Participating in activities you

enjoy should be fun, not stressful.

Activities to consider There are plenty of places to look for opportunities to

engage in activities you enjoy, depending on your

interests and ability. Following are ideas that might

work for you. Some of these include activities that can

be enjoyed even from a distance using phones,

computers, and other devices. Others can be done

alone. So even if you’re in a rural area or have other

restrictions, you can still find ways to engage in

activities you like.

Connect with family and friends Play cards or other games with friends in person

or online.

Travel with a group of older adults, such as a

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

2 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

retiree group.

Video chat or call your friends and family

members.

Try different restaurants with your loved ones.

Listen and share favorite music with your family.

Join a group interested in a hobby, such as

knitting, hiking, birdwatching, painting, or wood

carving.

Reconnect with old friends through your high

school or college alumni association.

Learn something new Take a cooking, art, dance, language, or computer class. Get in touch with your local community college or

library. Many offer free or discounted courses for older adults. You may even be able to find classes online.

Form or join a book or film club

Try yoga, tai chi, or another new physical activity

Learn (or relearn) how to play a musical instrument

Visit local museums. Many offer free group tours and educational programs.

Become more active in your community Visit a community or senior center and take part in its events and activities

Serve meals or organize clothing donations for people in need

Run errands for people with limited mobility or access to transportation

Join a committee or help out with an activity at your place of worship

Volunteer at a school, library, museum, hospital, or animal shelter

Help with gardening at a community garden or park

Organize a park clean-up through your local recreation center or community association

Sing in a community choral group, or play in a local band or orchestra

Take part in a local theater troupe

Get a local part-time job or explore opportunities online

Teach a favorite pastime or skill, such as embroidery, photography, building models, chess, baking,

woodworking, calligraphy, or quilting, to a new generation

Go out and get moving Garden (indoors or out) or do yard work

Take an exercise class or do exercises at home

Go dancing

Join a sports club for older adults, like a bowling club or bocce league

Walk or bicycle with a friend or neighbor

Take a swimming class

Play with your grandchildren. Teach them a game or dance you remember from childhood

Take a stroll around the neighborhood or on nature trails

Adopt healthy stress-relieving habits Read a good book, magazine, or newspaper

Practice gratitude and mindfulness

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

3 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

Do tai-chi or yoga

Cook your favorite healthy meal

Enjoy the little things, such as a cup of coffee or sunrise

You may also be interested in Finding tips to help get started with exercise

Reading about benefits of exercise

Exploring tips to help stay motivated to exercise

Sign up for e-alerts about healthy aging

For more information about participating in activities America's Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal

www.volunteer.gov

Corporation for National Community Service

800-942-2677

800-833-3722 (TTY)

[email protected]

www.nationalservice.gov

Experience Corps

AARP Foundation

202-434-6400

[email protected]

www.experiencecorps.org

VolunteerMatch

415-241-6868

www.volunteermatch.org

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA

scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

4 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM

nia.nih.gov An official website of the National Institutes of Health

date.

Content reviewed: March 28, 2022

Newsletters

Sign up to receive updates and resources

delivered to your inbox.

Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age | National Institute on... https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-yo...

5 of 5 4/2/2024, 9:34 AM