Old age can be a challenging phase for a lot of people. When old age sets in, and physical exertion is no longer an option, most elderly individuals can feel on edge and restless. Thus, seniors need to engage themselves in hobbies and exciting activities that will allow them to promote mental and physical stimulation. Moreover, hobbies are a great way not just to be mentally well but also physically active. For example, people who had been huge travel enthusiasts in their younger days may benefit from light walks in the garden or mild hiking, if their body allows, in old age.   

Similarly, individuals who were very mentally active at a young age may love to experience that long-lost thrill through stimulating puzzles and board games. While there are no hard and fast rules for hobbies, we can say that it is always beneficial to have some hobbies that will allow people not to get bored with their lives. Most old people would love to spend their days reliving memories and thrills of their younger days. Thus, keeping this in mind, it is essential to engage elderly individuals in hobbies that they enjoy and love.   

Here are some hobbies you can introduce into the lives of your elderly loved ones. If you are worried about the risk of injury and harm, fret no more because these hobbies require less to no physical exertion yet are still perfect for that much-needed emotional kick. Moreover, the following hobbies will also present the senior members of your family with a reason to keep fighting isolation and sadness. Read more to dive right into five engaging hobbies for the elderly to help them stay active:  

Five Hobbies for the Elderly to Stay Active and Engaged 

• Walking: Walking is probably one of the most physically rewarding activities that you can urge your elderly to engage in. 15-20-minute walks every day can do wonders for not just their mental health but also their physical wellness. Close monitoring while walking in the garden would make them feel secure in their stance and promote independence. However, it should be noted that elderly people with extreme mobility issues who cannot take walks should be exposed to fresh air and sunlight.  
   
• Knitting and Crocheting: Knitting and crocheting are perhaps the best hobbies with which to engage the elderly. Extremely low maintenance and rarely associated with injuries, knitting will keep your elderly occupied without excess physical exertion. Additionally, it will enhance hand-eye coordination and fine-tune fine motor skills. So go out and invest in a crocheting kit and wait for those colorful sweaters and mufflers! 
  
• Board Games: Playing board games will always be an evergreen hobby for us. Be it kids or the elderly, everyone enjoys a good game of Ludo or Monopoly. Moreover, solving puzzles, jigsaws, or crosswords can keep your elderly’s minds sharp and engaged for long periods. Board games are also a sure way to improve memory, cognitive function, and problem-solving skills.   
  
• Mild Yoga: It is obvious that Yoga asanas, whether while sitting or lying, will always be highlighted in the lives of the aged. Since most elderly people are now suffering from mobility issues, Yoga can become a fun hobby that improves their physical movements and calms their minds. It is also important to mention here that yoga is not only a leisure activity for the aged but is also very good for physical and mental health. In this routine, one can add stretching exercises in order to enhance overall physical health.  
  
• Painting and Drawing: Painting and drawing are one of the most favorite leisurely activities for stimulating the brains and bodies of aged people. If you need a painless hobby for your elders, then give life to the unknown artist within them. Not only does it act as an outlet for creative energy, but art can be a mode of self-expression. Furthermore, considering the risk factor, you can assure your elderly relatives that they will not have anything bad happening to them. Except for a few paint splashes and lots of love, you can leave your worries to the wind when it comes to this hobby.   
  
• Reading and Writing: Reading and Writing are some of the most nurturing and fulfilling hobbies. If you remember your elderly members as voracious readers or proud writers, it is time to build a library of their dreams or arm them with a beautiful pen. Allow your seniors to express themselves through words or open a new world through different books. Reading and writing will keep the elderly engaged and allow them to stay mentally active.   

While these were just some hobbies we had in mind, there are several more you can discover for your elderly. Everyone is different, and it is essential to remember that hobbies can also vary for people. Thus, the way to go is to understand the needs of the seniors in your family and then choose an appropriate hobby for them. Moreover, unearthing different hobbies is not half as tricky as choosing a suitable hobby. So, dedicate some time to realizing your elderly loved ones’ needs, and then decide on the perfect hobby for them. For example, you can introduce different hobbies to your loved ones by trying them out one day at a time. Some other hobbies you can try are listening to music or playing an instrument, bird watching, cooking or baking, and journaling.