Most of us are familiar with arthritis—a condition that brings joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Symptoms often manifest as joint pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, especially in the mornings. Currently, arthritis affects 54.4 million adults in the U.S. and is often linked with other chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. By 2040, this number is projected to rise to 78.4 million, driven by an aging population and increasing obesity rates, with a significant portion of adults identifying arthritis as a primary cause of disability. But do you know that life can be led simpler by adopting hobbies for seniors with arthritis?
Despite the challenges arthritis provides, it’s important to remember that living with arthritis doesn’t mean giving up on enjoyable activities. Senior arthritis patients can still partake in a wide range of hobbies that keep them engaged and physically active without placing excessive strain on their joints. Senior hobbies with arthritis play a significant role in enhancing overall well-being by keeping the mind sharp, reducing stress, and providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Light gardening, knitting, or gentle walks are great examples of activities that provide both physical and mental benefits. The ideal senior hobbies with arthritis are the ones which are indoor or less physically demanding, making them enjoyable and accessible.
Fun and Simple Hobbies for Seniors with Arthritis
If your loved one’s are unable to cope with the conditions of joint pains and stiffness, help them in trying these hobbies for seniors with arthritis.
1. Dancing
- Dancing to favorite tunes not only evokes cherished memories but also encourages movement in multiple directions, promoting flexibility and joy.
- It combines physical activity with emotional well-being as you are dancing with the support of a caregiver or family member, making it a wonderful senior hobby with arthritis.
2. Swimming
- Swimming is an excellent hobby for senior arthritis, as it provides a low-impact workout that eases pressure on muscles and joints.
- It allows for gentle movement, helping to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility without causing strain.
- Seniors can make the most of their swimming experience by joining specialized classes, where they’ll not only gain physical benefits and social connections but also enjoy gentle, low-impact exercise ideal for managing arthritis.
- Top tips for swimming with arthritis include focusing on warm-water pools to soothe joints, trying aquatic therapy programs, and using flotation devices for extra support.
3. Yoga
- If arthritis makes floor exercises difficult, hobbies for seniors with arthritis like chair yoga can provide a comfortable and beneficial alternative.
- With so many online yoga tutorials available, it’s easy to join in from the comfort of your own home.
- By learning yoga online, you’re not only embracing technology but also adding a senior-friendly hobby to stay engaged. Pair it with assistive devices to live better with arthritis and stay connected.
4. Lawn games
- If you love stepping out of the house for some fun but want to keep things low-stress, lawn games are the perfect option for senior activities!
- Whether it’s bocce ball, croquet, lawn bowling, cornhole, or ladder toss, each game provides a chance to move around, engage with others, and soak up the outdoors—all at a comfortable pace.
5. Painting
- Art is for everyone! Hobbies for seniors with arthritis like painting can be adapted with soft-grip brushes, making it an effortless and rewarding way to stay engaged.
- Painting becomes not only one of the creative hobbies for elders but one of a beneficial senior hobby with arthritis.
6. Crafts
- Seniors have a wealth of opportunities to explore arts and crafts, from knitting and quilting to crocheting and jewelry making.
- These activities for seniors involve hand movements that not only encourage creativity but also provide great hand exercises, easing joint pain and improving mobility.
- For added comfort, adaptive tools can be used to make the process easier. What’s even more special is the joy of gifting these handmade creations to children, grandchildren, caregivers, or friends and family during special occasions.
7. Gardening
- Gardening offers immense benefits as hobbies for seniors with arthritis. This hobby not only connects them with nature, but it also gives them the opportunity to improve the environment for everyone.
- For elderly with arthritis, tasks like digging can be tough. It’s important to seek help when needed but stay active. Use ergonomic gardening tools to ease joint pain and make gardening more enjoyable.
- Gardening is a rewarding hobby that enriches your surroundings and boosts well-being, offering numerous benefits in old age, such as staying active, reducing stress, and enhancing mental health.
8. Cooking and baking
- Cooking and baking engage is a perfect senior hobby with arthritis as it involves all your senses, from the aromas to the textures, bringing joy and satisfaction to both the cook and those enjoying the meal. It also gives you control over nutrition.
- Hobbies for seniors with arthritis, like cooking, promote both physical and mental well-being. Adaptive kitchen tools can ease the strain on hands, making it a manageable and enjoyable activity that nourishes the body and brings joy to loved ones.
9. Puzzles and word games
- Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, word searches, and crosswords—these brain-stimulating activities are not only fun but also incredibly rewarding!
- For seniors with arthritis, these activities are a fantastic way to engage the mind while avoiding strain on the joints.
- Whether enjoyed solo or with a friend or family member, this is one of such hobbies for seniors with arthritis providing endless opportunities for good mental health, sparking creativity and sharpening cognitive function.
10. Stress balls
- It is a perfect example of hobbies for seniors with arthritis as it is specifically designed to relieve hand pain and strengthen the muscles.
- Gentle hand exercises, like squeezing a stress ball, finger stretches, or using hand therapy tools, can help reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and increase strength in the hands.
- Regular practice can provide relief from arthritis symptoms and empower older adults to maintain independence in daily tasks, ensuring a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
11. Cycling
- Cycling is a highly beneficial exercise for seniors with arthritis, offering a low-impact way to stay active while minimizing joint stress.
- Smooth, repetitive motion helps improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and strengthen muscles, particularly in the knees, hips, and ankles.
- With adaptive options available, cycling becomes one of the safe and enjoyable hobbies for seniors with arthritis to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.
12. Volunteering
- Volunteering offers a wonderful opportunity to contribute positively to society. It’s an intergenerational activity, bringing together people from different age groups to work toward a common goal.
- The interactive nature of volunteering helps them feel connected, valued, and empowered, making it a fulfilling experience that also promotes mental and emotional well-being.
These are a few hobbies for seniors with arthritis that encourage staying active, physical, mental, and social well-being. Physically, they promote mobility and health. Mentally, activities like puzzles or crafts stimulate creativity and problem-solving. Socially, group classes and activities foster connections and meaningful relationships. Together, these hobbies for seniors with arthritis support a balanced, happy, and fulfilling lifestyle.
At Assured Home Nursing, our caregivers support seniors every step of the way—assisting with exercises, daily tasks, and companionship. We’re more than caregivers; we’re extended family, dedicated to helping your loved ones live fulfilling, active lives.
Sources
- https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/about/workgroups/arthritis-workgroup#:~:text=Arthritis%20is%20currently%20reported%20by,2
- https://versusarthritis.org/news/2022/december/top-tips-for-swimming-with-arthritis/
- https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/features/living-easier-arthritis-devices
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6977207/#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20nature%20through%20gardens,
pressure%20and%20slowing%20heart%20rate. - https://versusarthritis.org/news/2023/january/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-when-you-have-arthritis/
With personalized care and a compassionate approach, we ensure seniors feel confident and supported every day. To learn more, contact us today at (248) 593-8134!
