5 Hobbies to Pick Up This New Year

December 31, 2021 2 min read

With the dawn of a new year, what better time to start a new hobby? Hobbies are a great way to boost self-esteem and find meaning and fulfilment in our golden years. If you’re unsure of what to start on, we have come up with 5 activities to help you stay active both physically and mentally.

1. Arts & Crafts

Studies in Singapore have shown that seniors engaging in the arts have an improved sense of well-being and enjoy a higher quality of life. 

Grandma Lily holding up a painting she did

Art has no boundaries for both young and old, so why not explore something new like painting or learning a new instrument? On top of that, it is also a great opportunity to pass on some practical skills, such as sewing, to the younger generation.

2. Nature Walks

Nature & walking are a match made in heaven given they are usually free and have multiple benefits like improving mental health and increasing cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.

A man hiking with our Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Hiking Poles

Take a break from your phone and take in the scenic views of Singapore’s parks & nature reserves. Be sure to pick out a walking trail that is suitable for your loved one’s fitness level! For leisure walks, check out our foldable Seat Canes. If your loved ones are planning to venture more difficult hikes, a good Hiking Pole may be what they need.

 

3. Zumba

If you’re looking to spice things up during your fitness journey, Zumba Gold is great for seniors and beginners. Zumba Gold is a lower-intensity version of the typical Zumba class, allowing you to take your time to learn the steps. It’s just as much fun, just not as fast!

2 seniors exercising at home while watching a computer for virtual workout

There are weekly active ageing programmes which you can sign up via the Healthy 365 app. For step-by-step instructions on how to register, click here. Registrations are limited to 100 slots per session, on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

4. Explore Different Music Genres

When music is embraced in a group setting, loneliness is set aside as seniors enjoy the session together with family. Listening to music is a relaxing and fun activity that can build relationships. Be immersed in Esplanade’s diverse music performances, ranging from pop singing to jazz to cultural music for free

An outdoor performance at Esplanade

If there are any complications where your loved ones are unable to leave home, consider the Relish Radio & Music Player Speaker, an elderly-friendly (especially those with dementia) device and let it surround them with their favourite music.

 

5. Acquiring New Knowledge

Who said that learning stops when we are out of school? An enhancement in well-being, self-confidence, life satisfaction and self-efficacy are observed in seniors who are engaged in learning. To ensure no one gets left behind in this evolving digital age, IMDA launched Seniors Go Digital where ambassadors at the SG Digital Community Hubs provide one-on-one guidance to seniors on accessing government services and making e-payments via their smartphones.

A Senior Go Digital ambassador aiding an elder in digital learning

To discover a wider range of courses, from Zumba to digital photo editing to singing, check out National Silver Academy (NSA). Don’t forget to make use of your $500 SkillsFuture Credit for any SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses!


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