New Year, New Hobbies for Seniors

The start of another year is often a time for resolutions and a “new year, new me” mindset. Many people aim to start the year off on the right foot and better their lives by making changes to their habits, routines, or lifestyles. If you’re looking for something new in 2025 but haven’t quite decided what that might be, we’ve got a few simple and fun suggestions to share. Keep reading to discover new hobbies for seniors in the New Year as well as some of the benefits these activities provide.

Get Creative

Express yourself and get creative with artistic endeavors like drawing, painting, or crocheting. Our Southview Senior Communities host regular arts and crafts events, allowing residents to tap into their creative sides in a number of different ways. In addition, there’s the excitement of taking home or sharing a completed project along with reaping the physical, social, and emotional benefits, which include:

• Enhanced hand-eye coordination
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved cognitive function and concentration

Because these activities are often done in a group setting, they can also help reduce feelings of loneliness, which is common among seniors. Art is a great way to connect with neighbors and make new friends who share common interests.

Books and Book Clubs

Dive into a good book and take any type of adventure you wish—without leaving the comfort of home. Reading allows you to visit and explore new places, cultures, and ideas by turning the next page and activating your imagination. Reread a familiar favorite or crack open a new journey altogether to:

• Improve and strengthen memory
• Engage the mind
• Have better control over emotions
• Reduce stress
• Get better sleep

One of the best things about reading is that it’s a quiet and calming solo activity that can be done virtually anywhere at any time. If you’re looking to build community connections, consider joining a book club. A book club turns reading into a group function, which provides additional opportunities for social interaction and sharing ideas.

Try setting a goal this year to read a certain number of books—and see if you can reach beyond that.

Games and Puzzles

Challenge yourself and improve problem-solving skills with jigsaw, crossword, or Sudoku puzzles. Again, these activities can be done solo or with friends. Either way, the benefits speak for themselves.

Puzzles stimulate different parts of the brain, helping to improve memory and cognitive function along with dexterity and fine-motor skills. Working with others while piecing together a jigsaw puzzle also provides ample opportunity for sharing and socializing. And you get to share in the joy of finishing the puzzle together.

During those chilly days of the new year, stay warm by challenging friends and neighbors to board games, cards, chess, or checkers indoors. The community rooms in each of our Southview properties offer the perfect space to meet up for friendly competition. And our social calendars often include opportunities to join in the fun of gamedays on a regular basis.

Find Your New Hobby at Southview

We’re ready to start 2025 with these and so many other new hobbies for seniors. Throughout the halls of each of our Southview Senior Communities, residents will find a welcoming atmosphere and endless possibilities for social and emotional well-being.

Learn more about everything we have to offer by scheduling your tour at the Southview location nearest you.