According to research by Agile Consumer Insights, 67% of Americans have multiple hobbies, including seniors, which shows how big a role pastimes play in our daily lives.
Joining senior social clubs works wonders for your mental and physical well-being, whether it’s knitting up a storm or honing your green thumb. But as a senior, it can feel difficult knowing where to find a like-minded community.
Sounds like your situation? Luckily, we’ve got the answers you’re searching for. Here’s how to choose the right senior social club.
Benefits of Social Clubs
Before searching for an elderly community group in your area, it’s important to know how social clubs enrich your life.
One of the biggest senior club benefits is they reduce stress, which can cause havoc on your nervous system and cause health problems. Joining in on senior activities also decreases your chances of developing anxiety or depression because you bond with the community while enjoying a hobby you’re passionate about.
Hobbies encourage you to get active, whether it’s joining a dance class or going for a stroll with friends. Adding any form of movement into your daily life can help you combat common health issues, such as poor balance and cardiovascular health.
It’s never too late to develop new skills. In fact, The Scientific American conducted an experiment where they allowed seniors to develop a skill once a week over a year. The program lets seniors try singing, drawing, photography, and learning a new language.
At the end of the study, scientists discovered that the participants’ cognitive abilities after a year were like an adult who was 50 years younger. By simply expanding your hobbies, you can slow down cognitive decline and improve your quality of life, making it a no-brainer.
How to Find Established Social Clubs
You know that activities for seniors are game-changing, both physically and mentally. But how do you find your people?
The most obvious is checking in with your community to see what’s on. Residents should also look for established groups that already have a tight community, such as:
AARP
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a heavy-hitter, making it one of the most popular senior organizations. The AARP lets the community deepen their knowledge, join exciting activities, and host events where you can meet like-minded people. If you’re interested, check out their monthly magazine or search for their local chapter online.
National Senior Games
You shouldn’t have to give up sports in your golden years. The National Senior Games doesn’t think so either, which is why they gather serious senior athletes to train. Seniors can join a local group and compete in the national games like in the good old days.
SilverSneakers
If you want to stay active without the competitive element, SilverSneakers is for you. You can find the SilverSneakers community in most gyms where you can access hundreds of fitness classes to suit your preference. Or, you can join classes online if you prefer to exercise at home.
Local Garden Clubs
Gardening is one of the most popular senior activities, and it’s no surprise why. You can soak up valuable vitamin D, chat with other gardeners, and tend to beautiful blooms. There are chapters worldwide, so if you’re interested, look out for your local one.
Get Inspired By More Senior Social Clubs
Not every activity has a national social club for seniors, but communities will have certain ones due to their popularity. This means that there is an activity out there for everyone. Common senior social clubs include:
Coffee Clubs
There’s no better way to start the day than with a cup of joe and a chat. Look for a group in your area where you can meet other seniors and attend events. Aside from enjoying a relaxing morning, coffee clubs help seniors manage stress and make them feel more connected with people.
Volunteering Opportunities
Got a cause you’re passionate about? Then, reach out to a local organization and share your valuable time.
Not only will you give back to your community, but you’ll also meet new people outside of your usual social circle. The beauty of volunteering is you choose how much time to commit, so it aligns with your schedule.
Book Club
According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of American adults read a book in the last year, which shows how many of us love reading, including seniors.
Book clubs are an excellent way of exploring your interests, whether it’s diving into a historical title or reading an inspiring autobiography. You also have the opportunity to connect with your community and feel more satisfied with your life. A bonus is that reading engages your brain, which boosts brain functioning and reduces the chances of developing degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Sports Club
Find a local meet-up where you can get physical. Getting at least two hours of moderate exercise a week benefits seniors greatly, from improving their balance to strengthening their muscles.
Games Night Social Club
Get nostalgic by whipping out your favorite board games like Yahtzee and Scrabble. Playing games or working on puzzles is fantastic for the brain while not being physically demanding.
You could also find a buddy to complete the daily crossword puzzle or try your go at Sudoku instead. The beauty is you can either play it the old-fashioned way or digitally via an app, depending on your preference.
Which Senior Social Clubs Will You Choose?
Hopefully, you’re now inspired by our list of senior social clubs and will find the perfect one in your area. Mixing physical and mental activities supports your overall well-being and ensures you fill your time with enriching hobbies.
At Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, we understand the power of community and want our residents to join groups that align with their interests. Aside from providing quality care, we have plenty of activities and social clubs for seniors to enjoy.
If you’d like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us and we will schedule a tour to show you around the community.
