At SpringHouse Village and Fairway Villas, we have curated a lifestyle that encourages exploration and growth. One of the healthiest ways to experience the fullness and purpose of life is to seek out a new hobby or challenge.
Hobbies provide numerous health benefits by giving you an alternative place to channel your mental and physical energy. This can help with brain function in addition to keeping you in shape. Group hobbies are an excellent way to bond with others and help to lower stress. Seeing a project through to the end can create a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
We’ve put together a list of hobbies you may want to try out, or you can do research online and find one or two on your own. We want to encourage our residents to connect with friends and neighbors to get the most out of the Oakwood Life.
Punch it Up with Fitness Boxing
Nobody gets punched in the face in “Fitness Boxing,” we promise! Instead, this workout engages the entire body while focusing on muscle movement and memory. It improves hand-eye coordination, cognitive abilities and alertness, stability and strength, and joint issues. Learn more about how this effective mind-body workout can be beneficial as you get older.
Soar to New Heights with Birding
Did you know that birding is the number one hobby in the U.S.? Around 50 million Americans plan outings to observe wild birds every year. Birding involves the act of watching, monitoring, feeding, filming, and photographing birds – of which you can spot 993 species in North America. It also gets you out of the house and curious about nature, which is convenient since our communities have many trails and parks to explore. Why not invite one of your neighbors to go birding with you? Here are tips to get started.
Sharpen Your Skills with Woodworking
Woodworking is the activity of creating or building objects using wood. Not only is this a fun outlet for creativity, it also improves heart health, strengthens the body, and sharpens the mind. You can also reap the social benefits by joining a local woodworking community for inspiration and support. If you’re new to woodworking, we found these six easy steps to get started.
Speak a New Language
One of the best ways to expand your mind and enjoy new travel experiences is to learn a new language. As older adults, we actually have more advantages in studying languages than we did in our younger days. We have more free time, disposable income, and many advanced technologies available online to help us learn. As a resident of one of our Oakwood communities, you have access to an amenity center where you can practice your new language with friends or other students. Learn more about the benefits of learning a whole new way of communicating.
Give Your Time and Energy
For many, volunteering is a fantastic way to get out of the house and feel engaged with their community. Not only is it socially beneficial, it helps your body and your overall cognitive functions stay active. You’ll also have the added benefit of learning new skills while having something to look forward to in your schedule. Here’s a list of volunteering opportunities for people over 55.
No matter which new activity you choose, we support you in your new endeavor. In addition, we encourage you to check out the full list of programs on offer at our amenity center to see if there are any that could point you towards a new hobby or challenge — or feel free to volunteer to teach a class of your own. We want to keep you motivated to live your best life in our active community.