Many senior citizens pursue a hobby, such as gardening, after their retirement.
According to the Steuben Senior Services Fund, Inc., senior citizens are the fastest growing demographic in the United States. With retirement comes more time to spend with friends, family or pursuing a hobby. But today's senior citizens aren't just into bingo and playing cards: There are a variety of activities that senior citizens participate in to stay active and healthy.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a gentle stretching exercise that increases flexibility, lowers cholesterol, prevents Alzheimer's Disease and improves blood flow. It is commonly offered at senior centers at beginner and advanced levels. Tai Chi can improve focus and concentration, decrease blood sugar and eliminate stress. It is often called "meditation in motion" because its non-competitive motions are slow and graceful. According to the Mayo Clinic, it promotes serenity through gentle movements.
Golf
Retirement is a time when many senior citizens pursue hobbies that were once overshadowed by careers. Golf is a common hobby for senior citizens. It allows them to stay active and competitive. Most golf courses throughout the United States encourage senior players by offering senior citizen leagues and special senior citizen price discounts. Swinging golf clubs and walking golf courses also serve as forms of gentle exercise.
Gardening
Another common activity for senior citizens is gardening. It gives gardeners a chance to chase their hobby and grow beautiful flowers or edible crops. Gardens can be large or small and seeds and plants can be purchased to cater to all budgets and lifestyles. Gardening also allows senior citizens to stay active outdoors, as part of the job requires pulling weeds, fertilizing, digging and harvesting. More advanced gardeners can even sell their edible crops at local farmer's markets.
Wii Bowling
Playing video games may seem like an unusual senior citizen activity, but Nintendo's Wii motion control-based console is simple enough for everyone to play. A particular game of intrigue is Wii bowling. Aside from being something new and exciting to do, the motion controllers encourage senior citizens to stay active while playing as they mimic an actual bowler. Many senior citizen centers offer Wii bowling leagues and tournaments, and the seniors who play benefit from exercising their hand-eye coordination.
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